Mothers and Whores: The Relationship between Popular Culture and Women in Politics

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Sydney White

Abstract

This research paper argues that the intimate link between popular culture stereotypes and the media manifests in, and influences, the experience of women in politics. It analyses two major stereotypes and applies these themes to the 2008 campaign coverage of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. These examples are used to support the argument that female politicians receive asymmetrical media treatment relative to their peers as a result of popular culture stereotyping.

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Author Biography

Sydney White, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Sydney White is a recent Memorial University graduate, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Throughout her undergraduate degree, she developed an interest in both public policy and women in politics. She plans to combine these interests by pursuing a Master’s of Public Administration with a concentration in gender studies.