The first major comparative analysis of parenthood in politics, Mothers and Others brings together leading scholars of gender and politics to discuss the role of parental status in political life. Examining three main areas of citizen engagement within the political system – parenthood and political careers, parenthood and the media, and parenthood and political behaviour – they argue that being a parent is a gendered identity that influences how, why, and to what extent women (and men) engage with politics. This raises important questions about how career politicians, voters, and the media navigate the intersection of gender, parental status, and politics.
Melanee Thomas is an associate professor of political science at the University of Calgary. Amanda Bittner is an associate professor of political science at Memorial University. Contributors: Barbara Arnei, Rosie Campbell, Sarah Childs, Grace Deason, Susan Franceschet, Elisabeth Gidengil, Janine Giles, Elizabeth Goodyear-Grant, Jill S. Greenlee, Rebecca J. Hannagan, Allison Harell, Shanto Iyengar, Lisa Lambert, Valérie Lapointe , Carrie A. Langner, Christopher W. Larimer, Michele Micheletti, Melissa K. Miller, Brenda O’Neil, Jennifer M. Piscopo, Ronnee Schreiber, Stuart Soroka, Dietlind Stolle, and Gwynn Thomas
Melanee Thomas and Amanda Bittner have assembled a fascinating and important exploration of the role, understanding, and perceptions of mothers and motherhood within the realm of politics.