The representation of gender in political engagement

 

The direction of our modern society is heading towards, encouraged both women and men to understand that we should not discriminate based on an individual’s gender. Can this perception on equality and gender be represented well in politics? Well what can be identified is the increase of female engagement in politics over the past 50 years. However the treatment of female staff in politics, does not necessarily demonstrate absolute equality in the workplace. This blog will be addressing the factors that gender and politics, have produced in parliament and how the effect gender has an impact on political engagement.

 

The history behind the construction of gender and politics, has dramatically changed over the past 100 years; “gender and politics scholars argue that the roots of this enduring male domination in both politics and the political science academy are complex and profound” (Oxford books…ref properly). When focusing on politics, males do tend to dominate this sector, due to the amount of power given to males over the course of time in history. However, our society now rejects the depiction of politics, belonging to males that make up 442 out of 649 MPs (2017). The numbers that highlight the male representatives in parliament, is not balanced compared to females. Not only does this indicate how males still are dominating politics (despite our female prime minister) but also suggests that have a disproportion split between genders, provides the opportunity for inequalities to develop. (Females have the potential for power too…look at our current Prime minister)

 

When exploring the workplace in the UK, sexual harassment is unfortunately is prone to occur. Due to the nature of selective mindsets that feel entitled to ownership of others. This is even evident through the political environment and is published to the media to increase the awareness for the public. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, exposes the truth during his speech in Aviemore, Scotland and establishes the connection parliament has with sexual assault;

“The problem doesn’t stop with those who make unwanted advances on women, it extends to a culture that has tolerated abuse for far too long. It’s a warped and degrading culture that also exists and thrives in the corridors of power, including in westminster”. (Jeremy corbyn, 2017).

 

Jeremy Corbyn makes a fair and powerful statement that can only highlight, how destructive sexual assault is in the workplace. Especially if the assaults are taken place, behind closed doors, of where the public is expected to rely their trust into the hands of MPs. In relation to gender, sexual assaults can affect any gender and anyone. However in regards to parliament females are more likely to endure an experience of sexual assault.

 

Here are a list of male and female MPs who engaged in sexual assault activities, during their time in parliament:

Appendix a

 

I am not reluctant to state that this is a disgusting and disappointing reflection of parliament, especially when those in positions of power feel entitled to use and abuse it upon those who are victimised. In fact 1 in 5 individuals in parliament experience sexual assault (Buchan.L ,2018), which lead Commons leader Andrea Leadsom to conduct a survey, specifically designed for those in parliament. The results found that women were reporting twice as many incidence as men. The survey results should not overshadow the males experiences, but it indicates that females were more likely to experience this. Despite whatever gender, sexual assault experiences should not be normalised or given the opportunity to manifest behind closed doors. These experiences of incidents, highlight how any gender can be affected. regardless of there being a higher number of female experiences, any victim should be valued the same when approaching this topic. Of course incidents vary, but should not aim to brush off other experiences members of parliament have endured.

 

On a positive spectrum between gender and politics, there are more opportunities for females to participate with politics. Also individuals in our society are becoming increasingly aware of respecting one another, regardless of their gender or sexuality. This paints a positive reflection on those member of the public, who want to engage and feel represented.

 

In the political world, females have come a long way in their status and males have come a long way in their understanding of equality. Providing inspiration to young females who want to make an impact in politics, without their gender being a hindering factor. In fact being a female member of Parliament has been a physical and visual representation of the positive impacts of change. change has occurred ,whilst some change still needs more awareness. Sexual assaults have been brushed over for decades in Parliament and only now a serious turn has been made to prevent this. Not only is this fair to members of Parliament affected by this outrage, it uncovers a dark carpet of ignorance and entitlement that Parliament holds. We need to change how we see Parliament, by understanding that a political environment can not brush away society issues that certain public citizens face. Despite what gender, members of Parliament our all human too.

 

Bibliography:

 

Buchan.L (2018) ‘Westminster scandal: Report shows one in five people in Parliament have experienced sexual harassment’, Independent , February.

 

Keen.R, Cracknell.R (2018) ‘Women in Parliament and Government’, House of commons library, 12th February. 1-20.

Kentish.B (2017) ‘Sexual assault ‘thrives’ in Parliament, says Jeremy Corbyn in wake of WhatsApp allegations’, The Independent , 27th October.