Breaking the Political Glass Ceiling Women and Congressional Elections [Paperback]

Why has the integration of women into Congress been so slow? Is there a political glass ceiling for women? Although women use the same strategic calculations as men to decide when to run, the decision regarding where to run is something else. While redistricting has increasingly protected incumbents, it also has the unintended consequence of shaping the opportunities for female candidates. The political geography and socio-economic profile of districts that elect women differ substantially from districts that elect men. With data on over 10,000 elections and 30,000 candidates from 1916 to the present, Palmer and Simon explore how strategy and the power of incumbency affect womens decisions to run for office.

Breaking the Political Glass Ceilingis the most comprehensive analysis of women in congressional elections available. The Second Edition is fully updated to reflect the pivotal 2006 mid-term elections, including Nancy Pelosis rise to Speaker of the House, Hillary Clintons bid for the presidency, and a record number of women serving as committee chairs. Additionally, the authors have created a website, found at politicsandwomen.com, to highlight key features of the book and provide updates throughout the election cycle.

1. Where We Were: Women of the 1950s  2. The Rise and Persistence of the Political Glass Ceiling  3. Political Ambition and Running for the U.S. House  4. Political Ambition and Running for the U.S. Senate and Beyond  5. Understanding the Glass Ceiling: Women and the Competitive Environment  6. Understanding the Glass Ceiling: The Party Gap   7. Understanding the Glass Ceiling: Women-Friendly Districts  8. Where We Are: Women in the 21st Century

This engaging and accessible book provides a comprehensive account of the paths women have taken to Congress. Palmer and Simons finding that women are much more likelyló%