The History of Women in Positions of Leadership: A Case Study in the Variation in Economic Policy as it Pertains to Gender

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine whether, historically, there is a correlation between the economic policy implemented by political leaders and their gender. The effectiveness of the policy implemented, by whether it was successful in either the short or long run, was also evaluated. Due to cultural similarities, regional similarities and similarities in regard to the way these leaders came to power, the policies and the effectiveness of the policies can be evaluated solely based on gender. The study itself examines and compares four political leaders: Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.