Gender and Race/Ethnicity Research

This paper examines the question of whether term limits lead to greater diversity among legislators in terms of their gender, race, and ethnicity. Their findings from an analysis of electoral outcomes in states where term limits were in effect in 1998 and 2000 suggest that the answer to the question of whether term limits lead to more diverse legislatures is not straightforward.

This volume presents a research agenda, developed by leading scholars of American politics, suggesting directions that could fruitfully shape the study of women and American politics in the early twenty-first century. Contributors suggest approaches, methods, and topics for future research on political recruitment, campaign strategy, money, political leadership, parties and women's organizations, the gender gap in voting and public opinion, media, women of color, and participation outside of conventional electoral politics.

Funding for this project was provided by a grant from the Center for American Women and Politics, Rutgers University.  Prindeville's study explores the role of Southwestern Native American women leaders in tribal politics, and their right to participate equally with men in their nations’ governance.  

In December 1990, more than sixty statewide officials, state legislators, other practitioners and scholars gathered for the fourth annual State of the States symposium. The symposium focused on the problems and possibilities that exist for women, Black and Hispanic elected officials. Issues discussed included campaigning and elections, changing political institutions, shaping state policy, and achieving leadership positions. Workshop summaries and participating scholars' papers are included in the report.