How does gender factor into the development of the welfare state and policy? What explains gender disparities in candidate emergence? How do race and class interact with gender in shaping political attitudes, behavior, and coalitions? How do masculinity and femininity shape perceptions of political leaders and parties? How do we define and measure identity broadly – and particularly gender and sex – and how has that changed over time? From voting behavior and social movements to candidate evaluations and policy outcomes, gender is deeply embedded in politics. This course explores how gender on its own and in its intersection with race, class, and other identities and factors, shapes political participation, representation, and institutions. We will examine (persistent) gender gaps in public opinion and political behavior, the dynamics of gender-based solidarity and division, and the relationship between gender and democratization, the state, political institutions, interest groups, voter perceptions, and candidate emergence. This course emphasizes gender in the context of American politics, but we will also cover some work through a comparative lens. Over the course of the quarter, we will read and discuss scholarly work from across academic disciplines (political science, sociology, psychology, and history) to answer some of these important questions and more. Some prior coursework in statistics is recommended, but not required.