Description
Book SynopsisAnalysing an original survey of political appointments at all levels of state government,
All Roads Lead to Power offers an expanded, nuanced view of women in politics. This book also questions the manner in which political ambition, particularly among women, is typically studied and understood.
Trade ReviewIn
All Roads Lead to Power, Kaitlin N. Sidorsky offers a much-needed and timely analysis of the role of women in appointed positions and how this shapes women’s contributions to the governing and policymaking processes. Thoroughly researched, the excellent mix of quantitative and qualitative findings gives the study a depth and breadth that amplifies its relevance. With increasing attention on electing more women to public office, this book fills a gap in the literature about how appointed positions in government may serve as opportunities for women to enter the political arena." - Lori Cox Han, professor of political science, Chapman University
"In this fascinating and well-researched book, Kaitlin Sidorsky begins to fill a significant gap in our knowledge by focusing on the highly understudied subject of women who serve in appointed office. Sidorsky convincingly demonstrates through surveys and interviews that many of the women who hold government appointments define what they do as nonpolitical, demonstrating a distaste for elections and partisan pursuits, viewing the positions they hold as steps in their professional careers, and insisting that they do not want to be involved in politics. Her book raises important questions and challenges for scholars and activists concerned about increasing women's involvement and influence in American politics." - Susan J. Carroll, coauthor of A Seat at the Table: Congresswomen’s Perspectives on Why Their Presence Matters
Table of Contents
- List of Tables
- List of Figures
- Preface
- 1. Reconceptualizing Women and Public Service
- 2. The Men and Women in Elected and Appointed Office at the State Level
- 3. You Should Be Appointed: Political Recruitment for State-Level Appointed Officials
- 4. Why Hold Public Office? Appointed Officials’ Motivations to Hold Public Office
- 5. Where Do I Go from Here? The Political Ambitions of Appointed Officeholders
- 6. Considering the Other Pathway: Appointed Officials’ Interest in Elected Office
- 7. A Different Perspective: Recruitment, Motivations, and Ambitions of State Elected Officials
- 8. How to Be the Nonpolitical Public Servant
- Appendix A: State Political Pathways Surveys
- Appendix B: Appointed and Elected Official Interview Transcripts
- Appendix C: Coding of Variables
- Appendix D: Supplemental Table for Chapter 5
- Selected Bibliography
- Index
