Harder Work, Higher Scrutiny: Kamala Harris and the Reality of Female Politics
Elections & Politics #141 | By: Morgan Davidson| September 06, 2024
Featured Photo: www.calmatters.org
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A common criticism of Kamala Harris is that she has not clearly articulated her distinct policy agenda, with many suggesting it closely mirrors Joe Biden’s. As Biden’s vice president, it’s natural that she endorsed his legislative priorities, so voters should not expect a drastic overhaul of policy but rather refinements and improvements in areas where she can build on her predecessor’s positions. While some argue that she should speak more on policy specifics, the reality is that such messages often fail to resonate with a broad electorate. In American politics, it’s the concise, memorable points—what fits on a bumper sticker—that capture attention, not lengthy policy explanations that cover entire back windows.
While the Harris campaign will likely continue rolling out their policy vision to address these concerns, they have been wise to focus on energizing their base by highlighting the momentum and excitement that Harris brings as a candidate. Voters may not see significant differences in policy goals, but they can expect the approach to be distinct, particularly in terms of implementation and strategy. Research consistently shows that women in politics, including figures like Harris, work harder to deliver results once in office, often demonstrating a greater commitment to coalition-building, legislative productivity, and constituent engagement. This could set Harris apart in how she navigates the political landscape moving forward.
Analysis
Women members of Congress work harder than their male counterparts. They build broader coalitions, deliver more legislative results, and pay closer attention to their constituents. This trend is visible among female Senators like Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Susan Collins (R-ME), as well as House members like Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and the late Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). These women consistently rank among the top in total bills sponsored, cosponsored bills, and amendments introduced.
This pattern of higher productivity exists because female politicians face heightened vulnerabilities and challenges. They are less likely to be asked to run for office, are perceived as less competent until proven otherwise, and have smaller donor networks compared to men. As a result, women must work harder to prove their capabilities and gain political support. Additionally, they must continuously combat gender stereotypes that portray them as more compassionate or better suited for “caretaker” roles, while men are seen as strong, competent, and better equipped for leadership in areas like defense and foreign policy.
As a minority female legislator, Kamala Harris has had to navigate a complex landscape of gender and racial stereotypes, many of which she has worked hard to overcome. Right-wing pundits have attempted to diminish her accomplishments by framing her as a “diversity hire,” suggesting her selection as vice president was based solely on her racial identity rather than her merit. Harris, however, has consistently countered these narratives by highlighting her extensive qualifications and experience, including her service as a U.S. senator and attorney general of California.
One of the most pervasive and harmful stereotypes she has confronted is the “angry Black woman” trope, which unfairly portrays Black women as overly emotional or aggressive. This trope has been used to criticize Harris’s assertiveness, particularly during Senate hearings and debates, where her pointed questioning has been labeled as combative. Despite these criticisms, Harris has leaned into her prosecutorial background, consistently demonstrating that her approach is rooted in facts, fairness, and competence—rather than emotion or aggression.
Additionally, figures like Donald Trump have employed dog-whistle tactics, questioning her identity and “Blackness” in an effort to undermine her legitimacy. These racially charged attacks contribute to broader harmful and bigoted narratives, not just about Harris but about women of color in leadership. Furthermore, some detractors have resorted to sexist rhetoric, suggesting that Harris advanced in her career through inappropriate relationships with powerful men, a baseless accusation that distracts from her substantive record and accomplishments. These gendered attacks reinforce the double standards faced by women in politics, particularly women of color, who must continuously prove their qualifications while navigating damaging stereotypes.
This need to overcome biases drives women to excel in legislative activity. Studies, including those from Lazarus and Steigerwalt’s “Gendered Vulnerability,” show that women in Congress tend to sponsor more bills, cosponsor across party lines, and engage more with their constituents than male politicians. These additional efforts reflect their need to counteract the disadvantages of not being immediately perceived as strong or experienced leaders. Consequently, their heightened responsiveness often results in better representation for their constituents and a greater impact on policy. The election of Kamala Harris is poised to reflect these positive trends, as she, like many of her fellow women legislators, has navigated the challenges of gendered expectations, built broad coalitions, and worked tirelessly to deliver results for her constituents.
Engagement Resources:
- These links allow you to explore legislative sponsorship and cosponsorship by members of the U.S. House and Senate.
- Pew Research discusses the differing expectations Americans have for male and female political leaders, highlighting the double standards faced by women such as Kamala Harris. https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/gender-lgbtq/gender-leadership/
- Gendered Vulnerability explores the reasons why women in politics face greater electoral challenges compared to men, highlighting the additional pressures and obstacles that make their positions more precarious. https://muse.jhu.edu/book/57962/
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