AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Empathy Enhances Leadership Appeal
Leaning into masculine gender stereotypes can be effective in political contexts, particularly when contrasting hyper-masculinity. While breaking gender norms favors the positive over the negative, historical precedent shows that exemplifying empathy, as demonstrated by Lincoln, can resonate well with voters. His approach of listening to ordinary citizens fostered a connection that can make candidates, including women, more appealing. Acknowledging that both men and women can embody traits traditionally associated with the opposite gender is essential, yet amplifying the empathy associated with female candidates may enhance their acceptance and support in elections.