An Analysis of Female and Male Candidates in Senatorial Debates

     Previous studies have examined the different campaigning strategies used by male and female candidates on campaign websites and press conferences, yet very little research has been done specifically on debates. Through... [ view full abstract ]

     Previous studies have examined the different campaigning strategies used by male and female candidates on campaign websites and press conferences, yet very little research has been done specifically on debates. Through my research, I examine the differences between male and female candidates in senatorial debates. I specifically study the 2014 senate debates, using matched pairs in order to control for party, ideology, and incumbency. I code fourteen debates in total, specifically examining the candidates’ number of mentions of stereotypical “male” or “female” traits and policy issues. Preliminary findings suggest that female candidates talk more on stereotypically “female” policy issues than male candidates. Furthermore, findings also suggest that female candidates talk more on stereotypical “masculine” traits and “feminine” traits than male candidates.