РОДНИ СТЕРЕОТИПИ О ЖЕНАМА И МУШКАРЦИМА У ПОЛИТИЦИ
Gender Stereotypes on Women and Men in Politics

Summary/Abstract: Male and female stereotypes are modeled upon specific gender characteristics; (men are often perceived as rational, aggressive, shrewd, ambitious, etc; women are seen as emotional, emotionally unstable, sly, fragile, etc). These stereotypes signify very rigid, simplified and change-resistant conceptions and beliefs about certain social groups as well as about every single individual in the group. Hence, stereotypes are the basic assumption for developing bias not only towards entire groups but also towards individuals who are different from others. Moreover, they are one of the postulates for justifying different forms of discrimination, such as women discrimination or their insufficient participation in politics and under-representation in the political institutions of the state. Politics is one of the human activities where men and women are judged and evaluated according to gender stereotypes. This paper is aimed at identifying and mapping the gender stereotypes which are associated with men and women’s participation in politics; these stereotypes ultimately define their social status and political influence. Citizens (voters) are considered to be “hinging” on a wide range of stereotypes which are based on the politicians’ gender, starting from their personality traits to their aptitude for political participation. For example, women politicians are frequently perceived on the grounds of their “typically” feminine characteristics (such as affection and sensibility), for which reason women are assumed to be experts in managing the so-called “female” public affairs, such as education and/or gender issues. Male politicians are considered to have “typical” masculine traits (such as reliability and strength) which make them suitable for administering the so-called “male” public affairs, such as criminal issues and defense.

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