The Gender of Informal Politics

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

   PDF

2. Introduction: Informal Politics and the Gender Equality Paradox

   • Janet Elise Johnson

   Pages 1-26

3. Liberalization: How Economic Reforms Consolidated a Bait-and-Switch Male Dominance

   • Janet Elise Johnson

   Pages 27-68

4. Women’s Representation: How Bait-and-Switch Male Dominance Promotes, but Then Boxes In Women in Politics

   • Janet Elise Johnson

   Pages 69-108

5. Feminist Mobilization: How Bait-and-Switch Male Dominance Undermines Feminism and How Feminists Fight Back

   • Janet Elise Johnson

   Pages 109-140

6. Gender Equality: How Bait-and-Switch Male Dominance Undermines Gender Equality Policymaking

   • Janet Elise Johnson

   Pages 141-180

7. Conclusion: A Feminist Theory of Corruption

   • Janet Elise Johnson

   Pages 181-188

8. Back Matter

   Pages 189-195

   PDF

This book argues that the primary political obstacle holding women back in the twenty-first century is a bait and switch promising but simultaneously undercutting gender equality. Through a comparison of Russia and Iceland, the book shows how this revised form of male dominance came about, how it constrains feminisms, and how activists are beginning to fight back. It argues that while feminist movements have made it harder for most countries to maintain formal rules discriminating against women, economic liberalization strengthened male-dominated elites in informal institutions. These elites offer women prominent roles as policymakers and in non-governmental organizations, but then box them in with little room to represent women’s interests. Activists’ attempts to shame countries for ignoring problems such as violence against women result in new laws, but, lacking the necessary funding and enforcement, violence and inequality intensify. Explaining this paradox is the principal focusfor social scientists, policymakers, and activists concerned with gender equality, women's social inclusion, and human rights.  

• gender and Russian politics
• gender and Icelandic politics
• gender equality paradox
• feminist institutionalism
• post-Soviet regime dynamics
• gendered rules in politics
• gendered political discourse
• feminist activism in Russia
• feminist activism in Iceland
• politics of Pussy Riot
• gendered linguistics
• gender equality policymaking
• gender difference in Russian politics
• gender difference in Icelandic politics
• male dominance in politics
• russian and post-soviet politics

“This book could prove useful for those interested in the power dynamics of gender in politics such as scholars and professionals in the fields of diplomacy and informal communication.” (Tyler M. Wilson, CBQ Communication Booknotes Quarterly, Vol. 51 (1-2), January-June, 2019)

“This is a groundbreaking book. Focusing on one of the big questions of our time– why has the formal inclusion of women into politics, and introduction of gender equality legislation, left male power intact? – Johnson provides a sophisticated analysis that puts informal rules at the forefront.  Fresh, insightful and original, this is a must read for anyone interested in gender and comparative politics.” (Professor Louise Chappell, University of New South Wales, Australia)

“While we might expect to see robust efforts at gender equality in Iceland, and be dubious about that likelihood in Russia, this important feminist analysis of the informal political realm explains why some forms of gender inequality remain entrenched in both countries.  For readers seeking to understand – or undermine – this situation, Johnson’s book is a vital guide.” (Professor Valerie Sperling, Clark University, USA)

• Brooklyn College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, USA

  Janet Elise Johnson

Janet Elise Johnson is Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College, City University of New York, USA, and Visiting Scholar, Center for European and Mediterranean Studies, New York University. Her books include Gender Violence in Russia (2009) and Living Gender after Communism (2006).

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