The Making of Female Politicians: Why Political Identity Matters

By: Dina Refki

Why do some women persist in their political journeys while others, despite promise and passion, step away before election day?

Women who enter politics step into an arena still shaped by masculine norms and expectations. They face double standards, lack of respect, and work–family conflicts that their male counterparts rarely have to navigate. Yet while these external barriers are real and significant, new research suggests that what often determines whether women stay the course is something more internal — the formation of a political identity.

The Hidden Work of Becoming a Politician

A study by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society of women candidates for public office found that persistence in politics depends not only on opportunity or party support but also on an internal process of self-definition — what we call political identity work.

Women who “complete” their political journeys (the Completers) demonstrate a self-determined identity: they see themselves as capable, autonomous, and connected to others in ways that reinforce their sense of purpose. By contrast, women who withdraw early (Non-Completers) often experience a “fractured” political identity — a depletion of confidence, self-efficacy, and belonging.

This identity work can make or break a political career. It’s not enough to have ambition or opportunity; women must actively build and maintain a sense of who they are as leaders in a space that often questions their right to belong.

Three Pillars of Political Identity: Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness

Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Causal Agency Theory (CAT), the study found that three psychological needs are central to developing a strong political identity:

1. Autonomy – Feeling in control of one’s choices and motivated by inner conviction. Women whose political goals align with their personal values display greater resilience against external criticism or pressure to conform.
2. Competence – Believing in one’s skills and ability to succeed. Confidence, not perfection, sustains persistence; women who internalize self-doubt often retreat, even when others see them as strong contenders.
3. Relatedness – Feeling connected and supported by others. A network that offers genuine validation, rather than conditional or token encouragement, fortifies women against the isolation of campaigning.

When these needs are met, women candidates are more likely to stay motivated, withstand public scrutiny, and navigate the demanding landscape of political life.

Resilience: The Defining Difference

The study found that Completers reframed setbacks as growth opportunities. One candidate captured this resilience perfectly:

“Don’t let anyone rain on your parade. If you make a decision, stick by your decision.”

Non-Completers, in contrast, often felt “overwhelmed,” “stretched too thin,” and “controlled by others.” They struggled to integrate the multiple identities of mother, professional, and politician — and to maintain confidence in their capacity to lead.

Resilience, then, is not just emotional toughness but an ongoing process of reaffirming one’s purpose and sense of self amid adversity. Women who stayed in the race saw politics as a higher calling and a means to serve, not simply a career move.

The Internal and External Work of Representation

Political identity, the study concludes, is not static. It fluctuates and evolves, shaped by both internal conviction and external context. Women who actively nurture their autonomy, competence, and relatedness are better equipped to withstand the storms of campaigning — and to lead with authenticity once in office.

This has profound implications for organizations supporting women in politics. Beyond teaching fundraising or campaign strategy, leadership programs must also emphasize identity work: helping women recognize early signs of erosion in confidence, autonomy, or connection — and build strategies to restore balance.

From Aspiration to Action

In the end, running for office is both an external and internal journey. Structural inequities remain, but women’s success also depends on an inner scaffolding — a resilient political identity that allows them to withstand attacks, sustain motivation, and find meaning in the struggle.

Because before women can change the system, they must first see themselves — fully and unapologetically — as belonging within it.

For further information on this study, please contact the Center at [email protected] and at 518-442-5127.