ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that the roots of women's lack of political ambition are nurtured during childhood in school settings and in families. It explains the public believes that women have a tougher time winning elections than men do. Both men's and women's ambition for office increases when they receive encouragement, particularly when it comes from both political and nonpolitical sources. In some cases, simply being asked to run may be an important contributor even to the first thoughts of seeking office. For African American women considering a candidacy, it may seem like a high-risk, low-reward proposition. It is against this backdrop of gender bias in society that women assess the likelihood of their electoral success, even as we recognize that stereotypes are easing and the evidence in support of women's full integration into public life is stronger than ever before.
