Women’s success in the political arena depends on their ability to simultaneously fulfill the social roles of both leader and woman, says YSU Associate Professor Hasmik Shapaghatyan

The scope of Hasmik Shapaghatyan’s study includes the analysis of aggressive behavior, hate speech, stereotypical perceptions, linguistic manifestations, and the gender-based differences in communicative strategies and tactics observed in the speeches and televised debates of male and female political figures.

According to Hasmik Shapaghatyan, the study of gender differences has garnered significant attention in contemporary linguistics. She emphasizes that modern society faces problems arising from manifestations of verbal aggression and hate speech in all spheres. The destructive expression of aggression is considered one of the most challenging aspects of human behavior to control.

– Ms. Shapaghatyan, in your article, on what grounds do you justify the necessity of women’s involvement in the political sphere? 

– The article highlights that women must overcome the gender stereotypes prevalent in society related to perceptions of leadership and aggressive behavior. To become leaders, women often have to prove themselves more, as entering politics requires strong communication skills, while the behaviors socially accepted as "feminine" frequently conflict with these requirements. Therefore, women’s participation is essential for upholding the principle of equality, ensuring diversity, and fostering effective political communication.

– In your opinion, should distinctions be made between men and women in political offices, or should experience and expertise be the primary criteria?

– Gender should not be the sole criterion for evaluating a leader. Experience and professional skills are more significant. However, it is a fact that gender stereotypes continue to influence perceptions of leaders today. Consequently, although experience and expertise should take precedence, gender discrimination still persists in the real political arena.  

– For the first time in the Republic of Armenia, women have been appointed to several high-ranking political positions. What approach has Armenia adopted, and are positive changes expected with women’s involvement that men holding these positions previously did not achieve?

– Armenia’s approach can be regarded as a strategy aimed at promoting gender equality within the public administration system. The inclusion of women in senior positions indicates the existence of political will to eliminate gender inequalities. 

Despite positive expectations, the article’s analysis concludes that changes do not arise solely from gender but are more closely linked to individual skills, professionalism, and the application of new approaches. The involvement of women offers the possibility of fostering a new culture of political communication, but outcomes also depend on systemic factors.

– Which country’s experience have you analyzed in your article, and could you provide examples?

– The article examines the experience of the United States, specifically the debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election.

For example:

• Trump interrupted Clinton 51 times during the first debate.

• Clinton frequently employed irony to defend her viewpoints.

• Trump’s speech contained sarcasm and aggressive rhetoric.

These examples illustrate the application of different gender-based communicative strategies in political debates.

– What conclusions have you drawn from your analysis?

– Our conclusion is as follows: men and women exhibit different communicative behaviors in the political arena, shaped by societal expectations and gender stereotypes.

• Men more often adopt overtly aggressive tactics such as interruptions and offensive language.

• Women respond in a more restrained manner but use sharp sarcasm and strategic speech.

The primary conclusion is that gender roles continue to influence the forms and perceptions of political communication. Women’s success in politics largely depends on their ability to simultaneously fulfill the social roles of both leader and woman.