In this 5-page paper, with at least 3 cited articles from peer-reviewed journals, explore the changes in women’s political discourse since the first woman, Jeannette Rankin, was elected to the House of Representatives in 1916. At first, women in politics focused on women’s issues and often issues affecting children. Women in political office also used what scholars called “a feminine style” when campaigning and addressing Congress. They may have chosen the passive voice in public speaking (as in “I was thinking,” versus “I think.”)
Fast forward to 2016 when Hillary Clinton was criss-crossing the US., or Jan. 27, 2019, when Senator Kamala Harris formally announced she is running for President in 2020 (or now, as she seeks to be the first woman Vice President) – listen to the issues they deem most important and how they spoke and speak of these issues. You might look at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman from New York. Scholars studying women’s political discourse say women today have crafted a discourse style that could be called androgynous.
Some scholars you might seek: Martha A. Ackelsberg, Kathryn Anderson, Marie Wilson, Linda Witt, and Debra Tannen. Our librarian, Amanda Grombly, has access to these and many more. Her contact information is in the syllabus.
This Rutgers University web site provides some worthwhile information on these issues: https://cawp.rutgers.edu