The (feminised) contemporary Conservative Party

Rosie Campbell, Sarah Childs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter argues that feminization, the integration of women and women's issues in politics, is best understood as a process rather than an end point. It explores continuity and change in the extent to which the UK Conservative Party has incorporated women's bodies and concerns into the party hierarchy and policy in the 2010-2015 period. The chapter argues that a feminised party must at its core have women participating within its structures, and must address women's issues, concerns and perspectives. The years 2001-2005 saw the emergence of feminisation demands from both voluntary and parliamentary party. The Conservative Party has maintained its equality promotion measures associated with Women2Win, and the party centre has continued to push the message of women's representation, and continues to train selectorates. The chapter considers the British Election Study (BES) to evaluate whether the Conservative Party was able to secure women's votes in the election.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRethinking right-wing women
Subtitle of host publicationGender and the Conservative Party, 1880s to the present
EditorsClarisse Berthezène, Julie Gottlieb
PublisherManchester University Press
Pages192-214
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9781526125194
ISBN (Print)9781784994389
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Dec 2017

Publication series

NameNew Perspectives on the Right

Cite this