The Political Economy of Gender in Globalization Politics

Session Submission Type: Full Paper Panel

Session Description

Gender remains one of the most predictive and consistent predictors in studies of trade politics. However, its role remains under-theorized and under-explored. This panel aims to narrow this gap by bringing together scholars who approach the study of globalization through the lens of gender.

To help explain the gender gap in trade attitudes and voting behavior, the following two papers focus on the role of family networks. Cho and Flaherty argue that individuals' support for protectionist candidates and policies depends not only on their labor market exposure but also on that of their close kin, especially their spouses. Beesley and Bastiaens explore the impact of consumer and producer considerations on trade attitudes, with a specific focus on how these dynamics differ among individuals with and without children. The next two papers explore voter responses to gendered policies. In the global policy arena, Girard and Lawlor explore the demand for and impact of descriptive representation in IOs by distinguishing between “masculine” policy domains (e.g., international trade) and “feminine” policy domains (e.g., public health). Looking more at domestic policy, Betz, Fortunato, and O'Brien study how exposure to gender-biased trade policy can reduce support for the governing institutions that produce trade policy outcomes. Turning to the policymaking process, Choi investigates the growth of gender-related provisions in preferential trade agreements and examines the influence of key stakeholders in the negotiation process.

Sub Unit

• Theme Panel

Cosponsor

• Division 16: International Political Economy

Individual Presentations

• Kinship Trade Politics: Family Ties and Labor Market Exposure to Globalization - Soohyun Cho, Bowdoin College; Thomas Michael Flaherty, Texas A&M University

• Protectionism and Parenthood: The Impact of Children on Globalization Attitudes - Ida Bastiaens, Fordham University; Celeste Beesley, Brigham Young University

• Descriptive Representation and Trust in International Organizations - Tyler Girard, Purdue University; Andrea Lawlor, McMaster University

• Does Exposure to Gender-Biased Policy Erode Support for Governing Authority? - Timm Betz, Washington University in St. Louis; David Fortunato, University of California, San Diego; Diana Z. O'Brien, Washington University in St. Louis

Chair

• Sarah M. Brooks Ohio State University

Discussants

• James Hodgdon Bisbee Vanderbilt University

• Katja B. Kleinberg SUNY, Binghamton University