Re ALB’s ‘and, perhaps
Re ALB's 'and, perhaps surprisingly. a massive under-representation of women.'Should we be surprised? Isn't this how it is across the board in politics? I've never been into feminism or demonstrated for women's rights etc, but I am certainly aware of the discrepancies in the position of women compared with men in the worldwide arena. It's not necessary to go into details here but suffice it to say that even in the so-called 'developed' countries women have a long way to go to be on a par with men. I think what it demonstrates to us as socialists that here is another group we haven't managed to penetrate to any degree. (And before anyone makes a lewd comment – I did notice my choice of words and decided to stick with them – I do have a sense of humour too). Such a shame though that so much energy can be put into a separate cause, that many women don't feel they are part of an equal human race and only want to win their separate battle.I can't point to any good reasons why women, in general or in significant numbers, choose not to be involved in certain areas but I do wonder how much of it is down to a simple matter of perceived inequality. The patriarchal society – it's rife in the media, in main-line politics, in business and employment opportunities and also still in many homes – and I'm talking about 'the west' in general here.A couple of days ago Jondwhite posted 'Utopian feminist?' and the link below to an article from Laurie Penny about her recent book tour. At 26 she has a remarkable grasp of some of the divisions between the genders and a pretty good way of expressing herself. Especially if you don't know of her writing I recommend a look:http://www.newstatesman.com/laurie-penny/2012/10/notes-feminist-book-tour-its-alright-want-everythingA separate point now regarding the recent posts above and how we communicate – We can each only do what we know best, and there is surely plenty of variety in that. Let's have discussion on it, but not too much soul-searching which may be a distraction.