Fair enough. Even so, any disparity in male vs female political power seems to me to be smaller than the disparity in male vs female politicians. Maybe that’s not Emily meant to claim, though.
If that’s the case (which I’m not necessarily at all convinced of, but let’s go with it), I’m not so sure that it does matter for society as a whole. What does matter is that it’s more difficult for individual women to become politicians than for individual men.
Maybe, but few people even want to become politicians. Does this have anything to do with (what I think was) the original question: that of whether it’s reasonable for women to fear being excluded from places like LessWrong?
So women have more trouble breaking into a particular tiny minority career, and therefore other women should feel anguish over the rare “women are alluring” goofup on LessWrong? If there’s anything relating to the original point here I’m not seeing it.
Well, I wasn’t the one who brought up politicians as an example. But they are an example (just an example) of the imbalance of power, opportunity, control, call it what you like, that exists between men and women. And that imbalance is part of the reason why some women do (no “should” about it; I’m happy for those that don’t) feel annoyance or distraction (not anguish, at least certainly not in my case) over such goofups.
Why does it matter that politicians are men if they enact policies they chose to appeal to voters of both genders?
A few possible reasons, just off the top of my head:
Representative democracy is a pretty weak constraint on political action, all things considered.
Cognitive diversity is generally a good thing for decision making bodies.
Role models are important.
Sometimes symbolism matters.
I think 1-3 are fairly obvious, but can provide more argument/detail if you disagree. I’m probably least sympathetic to 4. YMMV.
Fair enough. Even so, any disparity in male vs female political power seems to me to be smaller than the disparity in male vs female politicians. Maybe that’s not Emily meant to claim, though.
If that’s the case (which I’m not necessarily at all convinced of, but let’s go with it), I’m not so sure that it does matter for society as a whole. What does matter is that it’s more difficult for individual women to become politicians than for individual men.
Maybe, but few people even want to become politicians. Does this have anything to do with (what I think was) the original question: that of whether it’s reasonable for women to fear being excluded from places like LessWrong?
So women have more trouble breaking into a particular tiny minority career, and therefore other women should feel anguish over the rare “women are alluring” goofup on LessWrong? If there’s anything relating to the original point here I’m not seeing it.
Well, I wasn’t the one who brought up politicians as an example. But they are an example (just an example) of the imbalance of power, opportunity, control, call it what you like, that exists between men and women. And that imbalance is part of the reason why some women do (no “should” about it; I’m happy for those that don’t) feel annoyance or distraction (not anguish, at least certainly not in my case) over such goofups.
Upvoted for your consistent politeness on a topic where it is very easy to get angry. Thanks for helping keep the discourse constructive!
From this comment, I infer that you’re white. (The survey says 94% of LWers are, so I’m not winning many Bayes-points.)