Kate Manne

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Kate Manne, a professor of philosophy and the author of “Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny,” which explores the social dynamics of misogyny in seemingly post-patriarchal contexts of the U.S., the UK, and Australia, says that the results aren’t due to a simple dislike or distrust of women, but a reflection of America’s violent indifference to women.

Manne says: 

"A lot will be said about whether this decision was about misogyny or about the economy. But this is a false contrast. Whatever the proportion of people who didn’t vote for Kamala Harris simply because she is a woman, this is a narrow and, frankly, antiquated conception of misogyny that I’ve been arguing against for a decade.

"Misogyny isn’t about hating or discriminating against women because they are women, and thus attract suspicion and consternation. Misogyny is about exposing women to harm because our gender makes us beneath full consideration. Misogyny is primarily something we face, not something people feel in their hearts. A world where you can’t get a routine D&C after six weeks or obtain care for an ectopic pregnancy or have to carry a fetus to term as a raped ten-year-old girl could hardly be one that is more hostile and hateful to women, girls, and indeed anyone who can get pregnant.”

Charlotte Townsend

Postdoctoral Associate

Charlotte Townsend, a postdoc who focuses on gender inequality in organizations, says that voters may have consciously, or subconsciously, been influenced by how gender stereotypes shape views of power, having control over valuable resources, and status, being respected by others.

Townsend says:

"Gender stereotypes play a significant role in social hierarchies: men are associated with power and women with status. This could also extend to who voters think should be in positions of political power. As a result, men may be perceived as a better fit for the presidency and women as suited for a position perceived as more status-oriented, like the vice presidency.

“Power and status coexist but are distinct hierarchies, meaning that despite Vice President Harris’s widespread support and admiration, individuals may not associate her—consciously or subconsciously— with or want her to have power.

“In these ways, women can progress upward, but their positions are less stable, and we are not giving them the power to wield significant change.”