USA

Home of the contemporary feminist movement, the USA might be thought to stand in the vanguard of female political emancipation; and at the mass level, in many ways, it does. Economic need is thought to have been a major factor in the rise in female employment; and most recently, the rate of increase has been greatest among young married women. American women’s voting behaviour differs a little from men’s, though not, as has conventionally been assumed, by any means always in the direction of greater conservatism. Women see women as having a better relationship with their constituents, as being more committed, more patient, and better able to understand the problems of minority groups. Men tend to see certain of women’s characteristics as assets, but more in terms of traditional female qualities such as conscientiousness, and skill in personal relations.