The Demographics of Gubernatorial Appointees: Toward an Explanation of Variation |
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| Authors: | Norma M. Riccucci Judith R. Saidel |
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| Affiliation: | professor of public administration and policy at the University at Albany, State University of New York.;Executive Director of the Center for Women in Government and associate research professor at the University at Albany, State University of New York. |
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| Abstract: | This study examines the various factors that could potentially predict or explain demographic diversity in high‐level gubernatorial appointments in state government. In particular, it identifies and analyzes a set of variables that could help answer the question: Under what conditions are governors more likely to appoint higher proportions of women and people of color to top‐ranking executive branch positions? This question, not yet addressed by researchers, is particularly salient in the current climate of accelerated devolution. Decisionmakers in state governments play a greater role in determining policy across an increasingly wide range of areas than at any time in recent history. From the standpoint of representativeness, the demographic background of state policymakers increases the stakes of those who participate, particularly in terms of policy outcomes. Thus, it is especially important to identify the participants in state‐level policy arenas and the factors that could predict their appointments. |
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