It Takes More Than a Candidate
Why Women Don't Run for Office

Examines the persistent gender gap in political ambition, despite changes to the electoral environment over the last 20 years.

Jennifer L. Lawless (Author), Richard L. Fox (Author)

9781009598231, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 March 2025

192 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.428 kg

'Challenging assumptions that the gender gap is closing, this well-researched book emphasizes the continued need to study and address the structural and cultural barriers that limit women's political participation. It remains a vital resource for those committed to advancing gender equity in political representation and in advancing democracy. … Highly recommended.' I. Coronado, Choice

It Takes More Than a Candidate remains the only systematic account of the gender gap in political ambition. Based on national surveys of more than 10,000 potential candidates in 2001, 2011, and 2021, the book shows that women, even in the highest tiers of professional accomplishment, are substantially less likely than men to demonstrate ambition to seek elective office. The gender gap in persists across generations and over time, despite society's changing attitudes toward women in politics. Women remain less likely to be recruited to run for office, less likely to think they are qualified to run, and less likely to express a willingness to run for office in the future. In the twenty years since It Takes a Candidate was first published, the book remains timely and eye-opening, highlighting the challenges women face navigating the candidate emergence process and providing insight into the persistent gender gap in political ambition.

1. Still a man's world? 2. Gender and candidate emergence
3. The gender gap in political ambition
4. Family dynamics and running for office
5. Gender, party, and political recruitment
6. Gendered self-perceptions of candidate viability
7. Taking the plunge
8. The persistent gender gap in political ambition.

Subject Areas: Constitution: government & the state [JPHC]