Women shun politics for a reason

I WISH to respond to Frank McGlynn’s sad display of male ignorance (Letters, May 19).

He thinks logic and reason are male domains more appropriate to political decision-making and that women are not more involved in public life for that reason.

However, if politics were a function of logic and reason, then one would expect a just, equitable and sustainable society instead of the widespread greed, corruption, environmental degradation and absolute irresponsibility with which we are surrounded.

Instead, we might consider that perhaps women generally lack the characteristics of grandiosity, shamelessness and thirst for power that so many male politicians seem to share. Perhaps women are put off the party system by its character and dominant functionaries.

Anyway, politicians make decisions dictated largely by economic interest groups — we live in a plutocracy, not a democracy.

This is especially true of our society where men and women alike were beaten down over the centuries by an entirely worldly religious establishment.

As a result, the apparent reluctance of women to seek political power roles should come as no surprise.

But a closer look might show that so many of them, day in and day out, are making the decisions that matter to countless families in which men largely practice avoidance behaviour at sporting events or at the pub, or from which they opt out entirely, stymied by the prospect of emotional responsibility, accountability and intimacy.

As a comedian once remarked with reference to political leadership, if you want to get someone who is an effective manager who can keep things in budget, get a single mother.

Contrary to his own protestations, Mr McGlynn’s views are very politically correct — among reactionary male Catholics.

Steve Harrington

Allihies

Beara

Co Cork