| An institution commonly characterized by polarization, conflict and discord, the US Congress remains a place of cooperation and collaboration as practiced by its members. Considerable research on sex-based behavioral differences suggests that women are more likely to engage in collaborative, relationship-building behaviors and practices as compared to men who are more likely to engage in instrumental or autonomous behaviors. Predicated on women's contextual orientation to the political process, it is hypothesized that women demonstrate greater collaborative, cooperative behaviors in Congress leading to higher levels of connectivity or centrality within the Congressional social network. This analysis utilizes a variety of measures and methodological approaches to investigate the degree to which sex-based behavioral differences impact the centrality or location of representatives within the network of Congress. Relying on a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to sex differences in alliance or relationship-building behaviors, this study seeks to uncover a difference female legislators bring to Congress. |
