Gendered Socialization and Foreign Policy: How Representation Shapes Policy Outcomes

Abstract

Despite the increasing presence of female policymakers in government, men continue to hold the majority of foreign policy decision-making positions. From an early age, men and women are socialized differently, with women traditionally encouraged to value traits such as empathy and collaboration, while men are often encouraged to value traits such as toughness and independence. These gendered socialization patterns may contribute to differences in the way men and women approach foreign policy. This narrative review examines patterns in five different foreign policy areas — climate change, international economy, human rights, military force and war, and international law — to analyze the extent to which gender differences are consistent with theories of gender socialization. This paper synthesizes research on public attitudes, political representation, policymaking behavior, and policy outcomes across multiple countries and contexts to examine the relationship between gender and foreign policy. The literature review identifies gender differences across several policy areas, but the strength and nature of these patterns vary based on what is being measured. While several findings are consistent with the gendered socialization theory, the evidence does not show socialization as the sole explanation for these differences. While gendered socialization can be a factor in these differences, political ideology, party affiliation, socioeconomic status, institutional structures, culture, race, religion, and other factors can also explain why these gender differences exist. The findings suggest that gender gaps do exist in foreign policy, but the relationship between socialization, gender, and policy behavior is complex.