Women in decision-making: The role of the new media for increased political participation

The most important route for women and men into formal politics is through party politics. For women, involvement in NGOs and social work is more common than for men.

• -  Women are more likely to engage in non-formal political activities (not linked to party politics), compared to men. Women’s interests are often not reflected in mainstream political debate.

• - Women’s lower political participation can be explained by their lack of financial and power resources, and of time to engage in traditional politics.

• - It is also argued that women are socialised to avoid political careers.

• - Female MEPs who were interviewed for this study had strong views about the barriers that female politicians face both at the national level and European level, among which socialisation and cultural expectations.

• - Negative media representations of women in politics reinforces the socialisation that deters women from entering politics.

• - New media tools are used by women to develop a ‘public self’ and build confidence in public debate, although not necessarily linked to formal or representative politics.

• - New media may provide a challenge to old media representations of women in politics.

• - Sometimes referred to as Web 2.0 or Web 3.0, new media is currently characterised by social networks, interactive forums, intense data sharing and collaborative knowledge.

• - Primarily, new media provide women with the opportunity to:

  • -  Network with other women;

  • -  Create on line selves which build confidence;

  • -  Appeal to other women and peers through styles and issues that are directly relevant and attractive; and

  • -  Provide alternative power bases which might be of interest to mainstream politicians.