Reconsidering Politics as a Man's World : Images of Male Political Leaders in France and Norway

Abstract

Researchers have often pointed to the masculine norms that are integrated into politics. This article explores these norms by studying male images of politics and power in France and Norway from 1945 to 2009. Both dress codes and more general leadership styles are discussed. The article shows changes in political aesthetics in both countries since the Second World War. The most radical break is seen in the way Norwegian male politicians present themselves. The traditional Norwegian leadership ethos of piety, moderation, and inward orientation is still important, but it is not as self-effacing and inelegant as it used to be. However, compared to the leaders in French politics, who still live up to a heroic leadership ideal marked by eff ortless superiority and seduction, the Norwegian leaders look modest. To explain the diff erences in political self-presentation and evaluation we argue that cultural repertoires are not only national constructions but also gendered constructions.<br><br>

This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedited version of an article published in Historical Reflections. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online