Hillary’s Amazing Achievement: Understanding the Magnitude of Clinton’s Historic Win
But as important as that is, more women in high office has a direct impact on policy. The Washington Post compiled some research on the subject:
For one, women are more likely than men to advocate for issues often associated with women’s interests — child care, women’s health, abortion, pay equity and the like. There are many studies, but see Michele Swers’s two books to start with. This shows up, for example, in in floor speeches and legislative debates, where women are more likely to discuss issues in terms of women’s interests. (Women are also more likely than men to give floor speeches, period.) […]
Other research suggests that women may be more effective legislators than men. Craig Volden, Alan Wiseman and Dana Wittmer find that, within the minority party, women are able to get their sponsored bills further through the legislative process. Sarah Anzia and Christopher Berry have shown that women sponsor and co-sponsor more bills than men do, and deliver about 9 percent more funding to their districts.
It also happens that the more successful they are at getting their agenda passed, the more they are able to get men on board as well. Given the chance, women are actually pretty good at politics. And they are particularly effective at progressive politics. This would seem to be a good thing for the Democratic party.
More: Hillary’s amazing achievement: Understanding the magnitude of Clinton’s historic win