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Gender and Voting: A Comparative Study of Britain, Japan, and the United States

Jan Mitchell

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Published in What Women Want: Gender And Voting In Britain Japan And The United States

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A Group Of People Casting Their Ballots In An Election. What Women Want: Gender And Voting In Britain Japan And The United States

In democratic societies, the right to vote is a fundamental cornerstone of political participation. For centuries, the right to vote was restricted based on factors such as gender, race, and class. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, many countries extended the franchise to all citizens, regardless of their gender.

What Women Want: Gender and Voting in Britain, Japan and the United States

by Gill Steel

4.5 out of 5

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Today, women have the right to vote in most countries around the world. However, there are still significant disparities in voter turnout and political representation between men and women. This article will explore the historical and cultural factors that have influenced gender and voting in Britain, Japan, and the United States.

Historical Overview of Gender and Voting

In Britain, the first women's suffrage movement began in the mid-19th century. Led by figures such as Millicent Fawcett and Emmeline Pankhurst, the movement campaigned for the right of women to vote in parliamentary elections. In 1918, women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications were granted the right to vote. In 1928, the franchise was extended to all women over the age of 21, on the same basis as men.

In Japan, the women's suffrage movement began in the early 20th century. Led by figures such as Hiratsuka Raichō and Ichikawa Fusae, the movement campaigned for the right of women to vote in parliamentary elections. In 1945, following the end of World War II, women were granted the right to vote by the new Japanese constitution.

In the United States, the women's suffrage movement began in the mid-19th century. Led by figures such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the movement campaigned for the right of women to vote in all elections. In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.

Voter Turnout and Political Representation

Despite the fact that women have the right to vote in all three countries, there are still significant disparities in voter turnout and political representation between men and women. In Britain, women are less likely to vote than men. In the 2019 general election, for example, 67% of women voted compared to 73% of men.

In Japan, women are also less likely to vote than men. In the 2021 general election, for example, 47% of women voted compared to 53% of men. In the United States, there is a smaller gender gap in voter turnout, but women are still less likely to vote than men. In the 2020 presidential election, for example, 60% of women voted compared to 66% of men.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the gender gap in voter turnout. These include:

Cultural norms and expectations: In some cultures, there are still strong expectations that women should focus on their roles as wives and mothers, rather than on political participation.
Time constraints: Women are often more likely to be responsible for childcare and other unpaid labor, which can make it difficult for them to find the time to vote.
Lack of political information: Women are often less likely to be aware of political issues and candidates, which can discourage them from voting.

In addition to the gender gap in voter turnout, there is also a gender gap in political representation. In Britain, there are currently 22% women in the House of Commons. In Japan, there are currently 9% women in the House of Representatives. In the United States, there are currently 24% women in the House of Representatives and 25% women in the Senate.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the gender gap in political representation. These include:

Stereotypes and discrimination: There are still strong stereotypes about women in politics, and women are often discriminated against in political campaigns and elections.
Lack of support: Women who want to run for office often lack the same level of support as men. This includes financial support, mentorship, and advice.
Family responsibilities: Women who have children are often more likely to face challenges in balancing their political careers with their family responsibilities.

The right to vote is a fundamental cornerstone of democracy. However, there are still significant disparities in voter turnout and political representation between men and women. In Britain, Japan, and the United States, women are less likely to vote than men, and they are also less likely to be represented in elected office.

There are a number of factors that contribute to these gender gaps, including cultural norms and expectations, time constraints, and lack of political information. In order to achieve greater gender equality in politics, we need to address these factors and create a more supportive environment for women who want to vote and run for office.

What Women Want: Gender and Voting in Britain, Japan and the United States

by Gill Steel

4.5 out of 5