A Seat at the Table

Through the narratives of women political actors on the front line, the book successfully conveys the message that women's political presence matters for the sustainment of a representative democracy. Furthermore, Dittmar et al.'s attention to the intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, seniority, geography, district, and political party affecting women's legislative behavior in representing their constituents deserves appreciation. * Shan-Jan Sarah Liu, University of Edinburgh, Politics & Gender *
This books portrayal of women in Congress, powerfully conveyed in their own words, irrefutably demonstrates that the presence of womens voices is essential to a governing democracy. It illustrates how collectively their unique experiences and perspectives are invaluable to the effectiveness of the legislative process. What is also revealed is how women so often foster the collaboration and consensus-building that is essential to solving problems and producing results. * Olympia Snowe, former U.S. Senator from Maine *
This is essential reading for anyone interested in making sense of how congress gets anything done in this era of extreme partisan polarization. Through the lens of women in congress, these scholars skillfully present the dogged persistence of those who are still determined to get things done, and are unwilling to forgo attempts at bi-partisanship, despite the backlash from going against the grain. Throughout, these scholars theorize the impact of congresswomen navigating the politics of polarization amidst the deeply ingrained gendered and racialized politics that mark the institution as well. * Wendy G. Smooth, Associate Professor, Womens Gender and Sexuality Studies and Political Science, The Ohio State University *
Through extensive interviews Dittmar, Sanbonmatsu, and Carroll provide new insight into long standing questions about the impact of electing women to office. Leveraging the differences among women including race, ethnicity, and partisanship the authors tease out how women of differing backgrounds and political parties define representation and how their multiple identities influence their place in the institution of Congress and their ability to achieve their goals. This book will be required reading for students and scholars interested in representation, political parties, race, and gender. * Michele Swers Georgetown University *
This book, which reveals personal interviews with three quarters of the women serving in Congress today, will inform and inspire the thousands of women enthusiastically taking up the challenge of running for local, state or federal office. I am certain that the future of our country will be brighter and our democracy more vibrant because of the inspiration provided by the exceptional women highlighted in this book. * Mary Landrieu, former U.S. Senator from Louisiana *
This book is required reading for anyone interested in the evolution of Congress and how members perceive their roles as representatives in a polarized era. The qualitative methodology helps to provide a holistic understanding of how congresswomen navigate and make a difference in a male-dominated institution. Through interviews with more than 75 percent of the women who served in the 114th Congress (2015-17), the authors successfully give voice to the multifaceted identities of congresswomen... Thus, this study points the way forward for students and scholars of gender and politics. * T. Lynch, University of St. Thomas, CHOICE *