A “feminine style”; in women's political discourse: An exploratory essay

This essay asks, “Is there a ‘feminine style’ in women's political discourse?”; If so, “What are its features?”; We argue that it does exist and is gaining legitimacy through its use by both women and men in positions of power. Further, we identify five characteristics of the “feminine style.”; These include: basing political judgments on concrete, lived experience; valuing inclusivity and the relational nature of being; conceptualizing the power of public office as a capacity to “get things done”; and to empower others; approaching policy formation holistically; and, moving women's issues to the forefront of the public arena.

Key concepts:

• Women
• politics
• feminine style
• public policy discourse
• gender