Author(s) :

Katherine Liao.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Despite recent gains, women continue to be underrepresented in Congress and other elected offices. Although American society has become more accepting of women candidates, politics is still widely viewed as a “men’s arena.” This paper reviews existing literature to examine the obstacles female politicians face across all stages of their political careers—deciding to run, campaigning, navigating voter behavior, and serving in Congress. Literature suggests women’s underrepresentation stems from multiple, interconnected factors, including lower political ambition, biased party recruitment, gendered double binds regarding femininity and masculinity, more competitive candidate fields, and reduced influence in legislative processes. Partisanship further shapes these challenges, with Republican women facing greater barriers due to preferences of party elites, donors, and voters. Additionally, through two experiments, I find that Asian American women are not only underrepresented in Congress but also overlooked in academic research. Addressing the unique barriers faced by Asian female politicians is crucial for enhancing their representation in higher office and fostering a more inclusive democracy in the United States.