The purpose of this article is to examine the reasons why increasing the number of female researchers and scholars in political science departments or political research, may improve the standing of political sciences and their subfields in general and highlight their role in fostering a more just society.
The necessity for increased representation of women in political science and theory positions within academia is complex and essential. Affirming Bryson’s (2016) idea on the exclusion and underestimation of the female canon in political theories, recent research (2025) concludes that political thought and theory is the most male-dominated subfield in published scholarship. It also concludes that political philosophy and theory as a subfield, has to catch up so as to attain a more gender balance.[1]
Female scholars bring a variety of lived experiences, viewpoints, and analytical frameworks to the examination of political issues. This unique perspective can lead to the emergence of new research inquiries, particularly concerning overlooked forms of inequality, theories, and methodologies that may be disregarded in a male-dominated discipline. Often overlooked topics such as the influence of specific legal and social factors on marginalized populations, gender equality, social and reproductive rights, social policy models, professional rights’ research, care work, gender-based violence, and the rights of children with disabilities and their caregivers could be brought to light in significant ways, compelling governments to take action. A relevant illustration can be seen in the following data: statistical analyses from various nations reveal that between 57% and 81% of all caregivers for the elderly are female.[2] In 2020, 53 million individuals in the U.S.—over 20 percent of the populace—provided care for an adult or child with disabilities. More than 60 percent of these caregivers were women.[3]
Furthermore, female political theorists and scientists can significantly enhance our understanding of power dynamics within the political agenda, gender-oriented semiotics in both cultural and political spheres, and the pursuit of social justice. Legal studies can promote justice through the application of existing laws. Political science and theory can initiate change by suggesting modifications to legal terms, conditions, or identifying gaps in legal criteria that contribute to social injustice related to marginalized or unseen groups of people and populations, not formally accepted as minorities. Research that incorporates a broader spectrum of experiences, can lead to more pertinent and effective recommendations in both national and international policy, bridging the gap between academia and government, and addressing the needs of a more diverse population than is currently being served. This would strengthen the idea of democracy as women’s equal participation in the academic level could foster a more all-encompassing and unbiased political discourse. In the realm of academia, women in political science departments serve as role models and provide mentorship to female students, motivating them to explore career opportunities in political science and even take on governmental positions that contribute to the legislative process, challenging traditional stereotypes. This could also contribute to promoting a more inclusive classroom environment in universities, utilizing diverse teaching methods while also leading to the integration of a curriculum that highlights the perspectives of women in political theories and historical contexts.
Overall, the need of a more inclusive and gender-balanced academic community is essential not only in the field of sciences, for which during the last decades, the progress is impressive but also in the field of political science and theory. Such a transformation would also contribute to the covering of various gaps of laws related to social policy, gender violence, health politics and children’s rights and it would re-evaluate the value of political science and theory degrees in both the academic and professional world. To further improve this initiative, universities globally could create organizations, laboratories, and communities linked to educational websites that focus on the theme of “women in political science and theory.” Additionally, the European Union could incorporate strategies for equality that involve programs designed to support female students selecting political science as their primary field of study, with a focus on those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who could highlight various issues in need of research. This would contribute to the re-evaluation of political science and theory degrees as highly critical for the development of a more democratic world.
Bryson, Valerie. 2016. Feminist Political Theory. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Gumas, Evan, Gunja, Munira and Williams II, “The Unequal Weight of Caregiving: Women Shoulder the Responsibility in 10 Countries: Findings from the Commonwealth Fund 2023 International Health Policy Survey,” To the Point (blog), Commonwealth Fund, Mar. 19, 2024. https://doi.org/10.26099/85gj-hx68
Sharma, N., Chakrabarti, S., & Grover, S. (2016). Gender differences in caregiving among family – caregivers of people with mental illnesses. World journal of psychiatry, 6(1), 7–17. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v6.i1.7
Stockemer, Daniel & Sawyer, Stephen. (2025). Explaining Gender Gap Variation in Political Science Knowledge Production. PS: Political Science & Politics. 1-7. 10.1017/S1049096525000095.
Dr Kontopoulou Konstantina A.
[1] Stockemer, Daniel & Sawyer, Stephen. (2025). Explaining Gender Gap Variation in Political Science Knowledge Production. PS: Political Science & Politics. 1-7. 10.1017/S1049096525000095.
[2] Sharma, N., Chakrabarti, S., & Grover, S. (2016). Gender differences in caregiving among family – caregivers of people with mental illnesses. World journal of psychiatry, 6(1), 7–17. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v6.i1.7
[3] Gumas, Evan, Gunja, Munira and Williams II, “The Unequal Weight of Caregiving: Women Shoulder the Responsibility in 10 Countries: Findings from the Commonwealth Fund 2023 International Health Policy Survey,” To the Point (blog), Commonwealth Fund, Mar. 19, 2024. https://doi.org/10.26099/85gj-hx68
