Date of Award
January 2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Clifford Staples
Abstract
The Corporate Elite (CE) has been dominated by white men who have
traditionally contributed to the Republican Party to further corporate business interests. Since the 1970's, a small but growing number of women have attained positions of power and authority in the CE. This trend raises the question of how the arrival of women will affect the political contribution behavior of the CE. This study examines
differences in the number of men and women who contributed to Republicans or Democrats in the 2008 election. Analysis suggests three patterns: (1) men contributed in significantly higher numbers to the Republican Party and candidates, (2) women contributed in significantly higher numbers to the Democratic Party and candidates, and (3) gender remained a significant predictor of contribution behavior despite controlling for corporate CEO, board membership, and educational attainment. Future research might examine additional factors that influence these individual's political contribution
behavior.
Recommended Citation
Mccormick, Keith Ray, "Differences In Political Contributions Among Men And Women Of The Corporate Elite In The 2008 Federal Election" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 1570.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/1570