Allison Maleska

Honors
4/22/2014
When a Woman Steps into the Chancellery
Introduction
Angela Merkel (1954- ) is fifty nine years old. She has been married twice and does not
have any children and it just so happens that she is the most powerful woman in Europe. She has
held the position of Germanys chancellor for the past nine years and has been the head of her
political party since 2001. Although these may not seem like unordinary accomplishments for a
politician at first glance, when putting her situation into perspective we can understand that
Merkel has made great strides to get to where she is today.
Throughout history, women have been oppressed in societies all around the world. While
western civilizations have been taking many steps toward equality throughout the past century,
there is still room for improvement. In many executive positions, whether in politics or in the
general workforce, women are underrepresented and men dominate the field. There has been
research done on the problem, and in some cases quotas or other proactive measures have been
set into place but it is still difficult for women to reach the top. The few who do make it to the
top, often find that they are in a position that has been dominated by men throughout history and
they tend to face stereotyping and criticism for being a woman. These stereotypes are gender
based and reinforced by the media. They often highlight women as being emotional, sensitive
and lack assertiveness. These stereotypes make it hard for women to succeed because these

qualities are deemed unsuitable for a high power job.1 Because she works in an executive
position, traditionally a position dominated by men, Angela Merkel has had to overcome
stereotypes from those around here and especially the media. When looking at depictions of
Merkel in media sources throughout the past nine years, there is a definite change from 2005 to
2014. Through her actions as a leader and her personal characteristics that stem from her
background, Merkel was able to change the way the public and media view her.
Background on Germany
In order to understand who Angela Merkel is, it is important to understand where she
came from and the events that were taking place as she grew up. After WWII, Germany was
divided into four zones occupied by the British, French, Soviets, and the United States. In 1948,
after failure to agree on terms that the Soviet Union requested for a unified Germany, the U.S.,
British and French combined zones to create on territory in the western part of Germany. In
1949, the three unified zones became western Germany and known as the Federal Republic of
Germany (FRG). Basic Law was also approved for western Germany in 1949.2 Basic Law is the
constitution of Germany is still in effect today and ensures that a political dictator will never be
able to come into power in the country again. It also highlights many important concepts such as
human rights, human dignity, democracy, republicanism, and federalism. These rights are
permanent components of the constitution and cannot be removed. In the years following birth of

1 Ingrid Bachmann, Gender, Emotions, and Politiccs: A Comparison of National Press

Coverage of Female Political Leaders Emotional Management, International
Communication Association (May 2009): 5.

2The Europa World Year Book, 54th ed., s.v. Germany (London, England: Europa
Publications Limited, 2012)

West Germany, the FRG was able to rebuild itself politically and economically and was able to
position itself as one of the most powerful states in Europe.3
East Germany on the other hand was not in the same position. Eastern Germany, which after
WWII was under Soviet control, became the German Democratic Republic (GDR). German
communist leaders soon came into power and began a socialist based political system that
mimicked the Soviet system. Although German leaders were in power, there was still a strong
Soviet military presence during the Cold War to counteract the United States presence in the
west4. Political control was soon in the hands of the Social Unity Party of Germany (SED) and
all other political party action was closely and strictly monitored by the SED. In the years
following the war, the GDR failed to meet the needs of the people and was failing to rebuild the
economics status that was devastated by the war. This lead to angered citizens who began to
protest and many (estimated 2.5m) eventually flee to the FRG. In return, this caused the Soviet
army to oppress the people and eventually lead to the building of the Berlin Wall around West
Berlin in 1961.5
The two states continued their difference of opinions but in 1972, the two states signed a Basic
Treaty, which stated that they agreed to develop normal, neighborly relations with each other, to
settle all differences without resort to force, and to respect each others independence.6 This also
allowed the two states to join the UN in 1973. In early 1989, many anti-government riots,
demonstrations and protests lead to the resignation of all members of the GDR council and many
3 The Europa World Year Book, 54th ed., s.v. Germany, 1964
4 The Europa World Year Book, 54th ed., s.v. Germany, 1964
5The Europa World Year Book, 54th ed., s.v. Germany, 1965
6 The Europa World Year Book, 54th ed., s.v. Germany, 1965

political leaders, especially members of the SED. The protests continued and in hopes of calming
the situation, boarder restrictions were lifted. With all the changes taking place within the GDR,
consideration for Germany reunification was beginning to take place. Though many obstacles
stood in the way, Germany was finally unified on October, 3 1990.7 This is the same time period
that Angela Merkel became active in politics. We can see that she grew up in a very difficult time
period in Germany and also entered the political scene when the country was just beginning to
rebuild its unity.
German Political Structure
Today, Germany is governed by a democratic political system. The Bundestag is the
constitutional and legislative body of the government. The members of the Bundestag are elected
by the people to four year terms. Their job is to carry out the legislative process and
parliamentary scrutiny. The Bundestag is comprised of Germanys five major political parties.
These parties include; the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union
(CSU) which represent different areas of the country so there is a unity between them, the Social
Democratic Party (SPD), The Left Party (FDP), and The Green Party. Angela Merkel is the
leader of the CDU today and happens to be the first woman to hold this position. On the other
hand the president of Germany is the head of state and he is to represent the country at home and
in other nations. His position serves the purpose of instituting the law and constitutional values.
The president can be elected to two five year terms. He is elected by all of the members of the
Bundestag and an equal number of members who are nominated by the state legislatures. The
chancellor of Germany is the head of Government. Candidates for the chancellor position are
nominated by the President. The chancellor is then elected to a four year term by a majority vote

7 The Europa World Year Book, 54th ed., s.v. Germany, 1966

by the members of the Bundestag. The German chancellor is the head of the Federal government
which means he or she is in charge of the executive branch.8
Background on Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel is the current chancellor of Germany and she has held this position for the
past nine years. Merkel was born July 17, 1954 in Germanys second largest city of Hamburg.
Although she was born in the West German city of Hamburg, when she was just a few months
old, her family picked up their lives and moved to the small East German city of Templin where
her father just received a job as a Lutheran pastor. Angelas mother describes growing up in East
Germany (officially atheist state) as a Christian family as very difficult. Her mother was not
allowed to work as a teacher any longer and the family lived on the social outskirts. Although the
family was living in difficult situations, Angela still found success.9
As she was growing up, Merkel decided to follow an academic career path which was
frowned upon in a communist state who valued labor workers. As an adolescent, Merkel joined
the Pioneer Communist youth movement. She explains that it was not a political decision but one
based on her desire to be around people in a social setting.10 She eventually earned her doctorate
as a physical chemist and worked in a quantum physics lab at the Academy of Sciences from

8 Deutscher Bundestag, German Bundestag, accessed April 8, 2014,

http://www.bundestag.de/htdocs_e/index.html

9 Roger Cohen, From Germanys East to West, Conservative Tries to Span Gulf, New
York Times (June 1, 2001): A1.

10 Roger Cohen, From Germanys East to West, Conservative Tries to Span Gulf,
New York Times (June 1, 2001): A1.

1978 to 1990.11 Soon after she became a member of a movement called the Democratic
Awakening. In early 1990, she entered the political scene without knowing the impact she would
have on Europe in the future. In early 1990, Angela Merkel became the press spokeswoman for
the East German government. Later that year after reunification, she was elected as a member of
parliament for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). In this position she was also made
responsible for media relations. In this position, she was seen as diligent, pragmatic, and
quick.12 These characteristics were noticed and admired by those working above her. One year
later, the chancellor Helmut Kohl admired her work and appointed her to the cabinet as the
minister for women and youth. Not long after, the chairman of the CDU party resigned and
Merkel became his successor. Throughout the next few years Merkel worked hard as leader of
the CDU and in 2005 Angela Merkel was elected as the first woman chancellor of Germany.
History of Women in Germany
The role women play in Germanys society, social and working context have not always
been what they are today. In East Germany, the GDR valued both family life and work which
enabled women to further them in education and career. It also stated in the constitution of the
GDR that men and women had equal rights in regard to social, political and personal life areas.13
West Germany on the other hand did not have policies that allowed women to have equal

11 Alan Crawford and Tony Czuczka, Angela Merkel : A Chancellorship Forged in Crisis
(Chichester:John Wiley, 2013), 24.

12 Roger Cohen, From Germanys East to West, Conservative Tries to Span Gulf,
New York Times (June 1, 2001): A1.

13 Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.

Germany, (Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 2003),235

opportunities to further themselves as did men.14 Many women of West Germany would typically
earn an education and then proceed to enter into full-time employment. Though after child birth,
most women would leave the workforce to stay at home and raise their children. Eventually after
the children have grown, women would typically reenter the workforce but in most cases only
remain part-time.15
In the past there had been significant differences between the number of men and women who
were entering higher education institutions. However, today women have equal primary,
secondary and higher education opportunities as men. In the higher education system, 45 percent
of enrolled students are women. Though there are equal opportunities available there is an
underrepresentation of women who are entering fields in the sciences and mathematics. Colleges
of education and art have the highest percentages of women attendance. Women also commonly
choose career paths in typical women dominated fields such as education, nursing and allied
health specialties.16
A recent increase in degrees of higher education being earned by women has been
changing the home front as well. With more women entering the workforce, there are many
families in both the Eastern and Western portions of Germany who are reconfiguring family
structure so both work and family duties are more equally spread amongst both parents.17 This
14 Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.
Germany, 234.
15 Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.
Germany, 236.
16 Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.
Germany, 235.
17 Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.
Germany, 234.

not only allows for women to enter into the workforce but may also lead to women taking over
male dominated roles while some men are taking over more responsibilities on the home front
such as cleaning, cooking and taking care of children. Women account for 52 percent of
Germanys population and because of a declining growth rate; many researchers have come to
the realization that more women are needed in the workforce, especially in high ranked
positions.18 Although more women are working toward earning higher degrees and may be
increasing female representation in the general workforce, they are still underrepresented in the
political scene.19
Female Representation in German Government
By taking a look at the makeup of the Bundestag we can better understand how women
are represented in Germanys political system. The Bundestag is the most important legislative
body in the German government and currently has 631 members, only 33 percent of which are
female. This percentage seems quite shockingly low but is quite an improvement from previous
years.20 According to Mckay, from 1994 to 1998, only 26 percent of Bundestag members were
women but from 2002 to 2006 the percentage of women in the Bundestag rose to 32 percent.21
When looking at other institutions within the Germany government system, there seems to be a
18 Christopher Dickey, How women will Save Europe, Newsweek 161, no.1 (Jan
18, 2013)
19 Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.
Germany, 250.
20 Deutscher Bundestag, German Bundestag, accessed April 8, 2014,
http://www.bundestag.de/htdocs_e/index.html

21 Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? German
Politics, no. 13 (August 7, 2006):58.

rise in female representation for example, of the thirteen Federal Ministry positions, six are held
by women.22 There are also a few cases in which women seem to be extremely underrepresented.
For example, the Bundesrat which is a legislative body that represents the sixteen federal states
has only 17 percent female membership.23
Seeing a steady rise in female representation in government over the past decade is an
indication that we are coming closer to gender equality but the question that remains is how we
have made this progress. McKay discusses a possible explanation for this steady increase of
female members to the Bundestag. As discussed before, the Bundestag is comprised of five
political parties. Of these main political parties three out of the five have quotas in place that
guarantee women the right to have a certain percentage of places on party lists.24 Many of these
quotas are set in place is by a device called the Frauenquote, which directly translates to English
as female quota. The Frauenquote is not so much about discrimination against women, but is
ensuring that both men and women have equal opportunities in a career field. Not only are many
political areas implementing a Frauenquote, many high end businesses are doing so as well.25
With gender equality as a main foundation of their platform, the Green party was the first
of the political groups to implement the Frauenquote of 50 percent in the 1980s. Because the
Green party introduced this system, it put pressure on the other parties, especially their close
22 Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.
Germany, 248.
23Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? 58.
24 Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? 60.
25 Alyssa J. McDonaldBaertl, Frauenquote: The Biggest Gender Uprising in Germany
Since Bra Burning? The Next Women Business Magazine (September 10, 2013)

rivals, to do the same.26 The Social Democratic Party was next to incorporate a quota into their
system. In 1988, they stated that at least one third of all candidates in party elections must be
women.27 Today, the SPD has raised their quota to 40 percent and now requires equal
representation for both men and women which means, neither sex may occupy over 60 percent
of positions.28 Because the CDU is traditionally a very conservative group, it might be
surprising to find that they too have a quota system in place. The CDUs target is to have thirty
percent female representation in party functions and elections.29
The two remaining parties that do not have quotas for gender equality are the Christian
Social Union (CSU) and the Left Party. The CSU however, did have female representation of
thirty percent on the 2002 election list. McKay claims because the CSU party is so highly
conservative, making progress in women representation in the near future is highly unlikely to
happen.30 The Left Party also is lacking in having a system to represent women and does not
show any progress in moving towards gender equality. This comes slightly surprising as the Left
Party is fairly liberal.31

26 Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? 61-62.
27Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.
Germany, 248-249.
28 Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? 65.
29 Walter. The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Womens Issues Worldwide, s.v.
Germany, 249.
30 Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? 71-72.
31 Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys?72.

Although many parties are working toward gender equality and having higher women
representation, McKay addresses a few issues that still surround women entering the political
scene. The Working Group of Social Democratic Women (ASF) states that having a quota in
place is not enough to create gender equality. There are still many issues surrounding women
entering the typically male dominated work place because many inner party relations favor men,
men have been running the system in the past and therefore many positions now seem to require
masculine characteristics. The women that enter these positions are expected to and forced to
take on these masculine ideals and roles, and many men in powerful positions do not always
accept their female co-workers ideas and input.32 Mckay also explains that there are also other
considerations to be made when taking on quotas that require female representation. For
example, because women are often looked at as the primary caretaker of children, the timing of
meetings or having childcare facilities available to mothers at or near workplaces would be
classified as necessary in order to achieve success in the area of gender equality. Many parties
have also included a mentoring system as a way to help women transition into these male
dominated roles. In this system, senior politicians who have had experience in the field mentor
young colleges who are in similar positions as they were once in. This practice began in 1999
and today, the Green party as even extended this service to young men.33
The Importance of Women in Executive Positions
Despite having proof that more women are entering the workforce and beginning to earn
jobs in high ranking corporations or as powerful political leaders, it is being questioned whether
or not women are capable of creating a positive impact in these positions. Dickeys article, How
32 Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? 67.
33 Joanna McKay, Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? 63.

Women Will Save Europe, discusses the ways in which women influence and contribute to the
success of businesses or organizations of which they are a part. Devillard, who is a 43 year old
woman who happens to be a partner in the successful European consultant agency by the name
of Mckinsey & Co., conducted a Women Matter study to find out exactly how women do
matter in the workforce. Her study showed that yes, female presence does make a difference in a
work setting, especially when women are a part of an executive committee. Her research was
looked at by a social psychologist who found that when looking at leadership styles, women
were equal to or surpassed men in six out of nine personal qualities categories. Some of these
categories include the ability to create a team atmosphere, define expectations clearly, reward
achievement and act as a role model. Although it is proven through research that female presence
can improve the function of a group, it will be a long road to having a greater female
representation in senior executive positions. Devillard concludes that this movement will have to
begin with the acceptance of women in to these positions by men who are currently ranked at the
top.34
Portrayals of Merkel in Early Years of Chancellorship
Despite all odds, Angela Merkel is one of the women who have made it to the top.
Merkel has been serving as chancellor for the past nine years and as it seems, she has held the
spot in the limelight for the majority of that time. She has continuously been featured in articles
throughout the world but the way she has been portrayed has experienced a slight shift
throughout the years. In the beginning, the media seemed to dwell on the fact that she was one of
few women in a high power political system. Many comments seemed to be made about her
appearance, her figure, and the way she presented herself in a stereotypical female way. As the

34 Christopher Dickey, How Women Will Save Europe, 1-3.

years have passed though, it appears that Merkel has had a change in the way she leads or at least
in the way in which she is presented by media sources. In Bachmanns research, she explains that
female politicians are viewed in a different way than their male co-workers. This is due to the
media and how it portrays women in press coverage. News reports are more likely to comment
on personal and physical characteristics of women and seem to lack information regarding their
knowledge and actual competency to lead.35
According the Davidson-Schmich, Angela Merkel began her term with a stereotypical
female leadership strategy. Some of these typical female leadership styles seem to include
being very negotiable. Because of the political situation Germany was in when she came to
power, dealing with a divided grand coalition and problems within the twenty country European
Union, she had to act as a mediator between groups who were not willing to cooperate.36 These
traits characterized her as being a stereotypical woman and many of the media sources seem to
dwell on this as well. In her first years of office media portrayed her in a materialistic way,
always commenting on her attire and the way she looks. In an article that came a few years
before her election as chancellor, Merkel was described as having a wide smile and a tendency
to blush.37 This statement not only failed to discuss how she performs intellectually as a leader
but focusses on how she reacts cautiously and emotionally. These pieces of information are not
necessarily a bad portrayal of Merkel because they do not shed light on her in a negative way but
35 Ingrid Bachmann, Gender, Emotions, and Politiccs: A Comparison of National
Press Coverage of Female Political Leaders Emotional Management, 3-6.

36 Luise K. Davidson-Schmich, Afterword, German Politics 20 no. 3 (September

2011): 465.
37 Roger Cohen, From Germanys East to West, Conservative Tries to Span Gulf,
A1.

they are far from how a male politician would be reported. This shows that there still seems to be
a clear distinction between how male and female politicians are viewed.
It is apparent that Merkels emotional state and mentality were a focus in the media. Not
surprisingly, her physical appearance was also taken into careful consideration in news reports
shortly after her election as chancellor. The Economist stated She dresses very stylish these
days; a silver necklace and new hairdo add a feminine touch to the leader of the most powerful
country in Europe.Everywhere she wins hearts and minds with a mix of intelligence and
female modesty.38 Another article in The Washington Post about Merkels debut as chancellor
begins by stating Angela Merkel was dazzling last week. Dressed in comfortable black pants
and a crimson velvet evening jacket and necklace, she exuded energy.39 Journalist focus on her
physical appearance and the way she presents herself. Statements such as these remind us again
that females entering stereotypical male roles are portrayed in a very different way. As
Bachmann points out again, these are not sex-stereotypical or negative, but it is different from
the manner in which male politicians are represented.40
From these examples that are displayed in newspapers in the years before and shortly
after Merkel is elected chancellor, we can see that the media continuously had reports of
Merkels reactions, expression, and also how she was dressed. Although the articles main topic
relates to political or more serious issues, these tidbits of information about Merkels personal
38 Europe: Unfinished Homework; Angela Merkel, The Economist, no. 382 (March
24, 2007): 43.
39 Nora Boustany, Germanys Merkel Wins Over a High-Powered Crowd, The
Washington Post (January 18, 2006): A.14.

40 Ingrid Bachmann, Gender, Emotions, and Politiccs: A Comparison of National

Press Coverage of Female Political Leaders Emotional Management, 6.

life seem to brighten the mood and add diversity to a report. Bachmann points out that this type
of personal information is not something that would be in a news report about a male politician.
Because Merkels personal traits are expressed by the media, she is under pressure to present
herself in a way that is flattering to the public. She is the first female chancellor and first female
leader of the CDU in a male dominated Bundestag, so it is not surprising to find that she has
been closely examined by the public and seen in a different way.41
The Shift
The portrayals of Merkel in her early years as chancellor and leader of the CDU focus on
the stereotypical female leadership characteristics. As we can see, news articles across the
globe continuously focus on her physical and personal characteristics. Most articles start off by
mentioning her wardrobe for the day or how she presented herself in a very feminine way and
then get on with the rest of the story. These appearance related statements often do not relate to
the rest of article and are definitely not something we would see in an article about a male
politician. Though around the time of her re-election as chancellor and leader of the CDU in
2009, there is a change in the way in which Merkel is portrayed. An article in The Economist
discussed how Merkel has been a very successful competitor. They claimed she has swatted
aside all challengers in the elections.42 The Economist also went on to mention how she won
kudos for her presidencies of the European Union and the G8 club.43 These statements show that
Merkel had succeeding in winning the publics approval throughout her first few years as a
41 Ingrid Bachmann,Gender, Emotions, and Politiccs: A Comparison of National Press
Coverage of Female Political Leaders Emotional Management, 14.

42 Leaders: The Mystery Of Mrs. Merkel; Germanys Inscrutable Chancellor. The

Economist no.391 (June 27, 2009): 14.
43 Leaders: The Mystery Of Mrs. Merkel; Germanys Inscrutable Chancellor, 14.

Chancellor and CDU leader. Because her first years in power were successful, it can be
concluded that the public began to see her differently. Through media portrayals, we can see that
she is depicted in a more serious manner and because her success has gained her respect.
The Euro economic crisis that has been ongoing throughout the past five years may also
play a role in Merkels depiction in the media. Since early 2009, countries in the Eurozone have
faced an economic crisis in which the governments have not been able to repay debt that has
built up over the years. Countries such as Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are currently
viewed as having failing economies.44 Because Germany is one of the more financially sound
countries in the Eurozone, have taken on many roles in the handling of the Euro crisis. This
means that Angela Merkel has also been a very influential political figure during this crisis. In
2012, an article in the Economist stated Angela Merkels cautious response to the Euro crisis is
backed by most Germans and by her party.45 This statement in The Economist article tells us
that since the crisis began in 2009, Merkel has impressed the people by how she has worked
through tough times and handled the conflicts taking place throughout Europe.
Women throughout history have been thought of in a different light than men and
Bachmann explains in her article that women are expected to have to convince a traditional
polity that they are competent as politicians despite their gender.46 This seems to hold truth in
Merkels case as she has won countless reelections and has wowed the people with the way she
44 Alan Crawford and Tony Czuczka, Angela Merkel : A Chancellorship Forged in
Crisis, 31.
45 Slow but Popular; Germany and the Euro Crisis, The Economist (December 8,
2012)
46 Ingrid Bachmann,Gender, Emotions, and Politiccs: A Comparison of National Press
Coverage of Female Political Leaders Emotional Management, 6.

has lead a nation in crisis. The way she is regarded in the beginning of her term suggested that
some doubted whether she or any woman was right for the position. In a 2001 article in the New
York Times, a politician states The question is; Do Germans believe she can do the job of
Chancellor?47 This statement clearly shows that in 2001, Germany was not ready to trust that a
woman could lead their nation. But as the years have passed and many events have taken place,
she has gained respect and has taken on a different persona in the medias eyes. In an article
published in The Economist, they claim that few political transformations have been so quick
or so complete and they later go on to state never underestimate Ms. Merkel.48
Portrayals of Merkel in Recent Years of Chancellorship
By looking at articles in the media that have been published in current years, we can see
for ourselves that Merkel has earned respect as a female politician and has seemed to move past
the female-stereotype images. She has also convinced her counterparts along with the general
public that she is highly capable of leading Europes most powerful country. Throughout the past
few years, Merkel has been regarded as an Iron Lady or to have been Leading with an Iron
fist.49 These depictions are certainly very different from the feminine view we saw in earlier
articles. She has been described in some recent cases as being stiff and stern50 but in many
instances as An outspoken and courageous woman who states her views directly and openly
47 Roger Cohen, From Germanys East to West, Conservative Tries to Span Gulf,
A1.
48 Leaders: Angela Merkel Charms the World; Germanys New Chancellor. The
Economist (February 11, 2012): 12.

49 Louise K. Davidson-Schmich, Afterword, 464.

50 Phillip Preville, Angela Merkel, Canadian Business (Winter 2013/2014): 66.

with candor and forcefulness.51 Her leadership style has even been praised by claiming that it
aptly represents Germanys strength in Europe and the world.52 An article by Dickey in
Newsweek declares German Chancellor Angela Merkel is without question the most powerful
leader in Europe.53 These descriptions of Merkel and her leadership styles are far from what we
saw in the beginning of her chancellorship when her ability to lead a country was questioned.
The way she is described in such a powerful way shows that Merkel has convinced the public
that she more than capable of serving as chancellor and has proven herself successful in a male
dominated position.
Recent political cartoons published in the New York Times can also give us insight on
Merkels current image. The first image takes place in Greece and shows her amongst ancient
ruins with three other men. The men are sitting back watching as Merkel attempts to clean up the
rubble by herself. One man shouts to her, Come on, then! Show the world you are a strong
German woman.(appendix pg. 21)54 This seems to imply that Merkel is no longer viewed as a
delicate woman but rather a powerful figure who is seemingly successful in a typical male role
and is capable of handling a males job. Another image depicts Merkel and the President of
France Nicolas Sarkozy as large powerful and somewhat manly figures who are looking down
the President of Greece Karolos Papoulias. (appendix pg. 22)55 The fact Merkel is shown clothed
51 Uri Savir, Angela Merkels Leadership, Jerusalem Post (February 2012): 23.
52 Uri Savir, Angela Merkels Leadership, 23.
53 Christopher Dickey, How Women Will Save Europe, 1.
54 Jeff Danziger, Angela Merkel in Greece to Address Economic Issues, 2012, New
York Times
55 Jeff Danziger, Credit Default Swap, 2011, New York Times

in a manly jacket and is proportional size to Sarkozy suggests that she is seen as equal to a
powerful male political figure. This portrayal sends a message that Merkel is no longer viewed as
a delicate woman who is questioned about her leadership capabilities.
Personal Characteristics
We know depictions of Merkels character have changed throughout the years and that is
is likely due to the respect and popularity she has gained through reelections and successful
leadership of Germany and other Eurozone countries. The one question that remains is how has
she has continuously won elections throughout the years and why are her leadership strategies
attractive to the people. It seems the answer lies with Merkel herself and a set of unique
characteristics and qualities that have been admired from day one and seem to be stemmed from
her upbringing in East Germany. These qualities have been looked at from the beginning of her
chancellorship and may be in part a factor of her success as a leader. It has been said that her
Eastern qualities such as her folksy manner and lack of grand gestures contrast attractively
with the more superficial characteristics of many of her Western counterparts.56 In 2001, it was
said she speaks calmly, with measured conviction.57 The New York Times in 2005 describes
her as stubborn and someone who stands her ground.58 And in a 2012 article, She is claimed to be
a new type of leader, one that is ruling by inclusion, integration and honesty.59 Another article
56 Wanda Meke-Gluckert, Angela Merkel, 13.
57 Roger Cohen, From Germanys East to West, Conservative Tries to Span Gulf,
A1.
58 Mark Landler, Angela Merkel: Politician Who Can Show a Flash of Steel, New York
Times (October 11, 2005): A7.

59 Uri Savir, Angela Merkels Leadership, 24.

claimed There is no entourage following her around. Suddenly, she walks into a room, joins the
crowd, and listens rather than holding forth.60 This great example shows how Merkel displays
her humble characteristics in public.
These characteristics of Merkel can be found throughout many articles are attributed to
her upbringing in East Germany. Merkel and her family were a Christian family living in an
atheist East Germany. Her mother was not allowed to work and times were hard for her father as
well. Although her family was in a difficult position, she excelled in academics as a child.
Because communist East Germany valued labor workers, Merkel had to work hard and overcome
adversity to become a chemistry teacher and researcher and then make the political
advancements she did later in life. Merkel also discussed how East Germany was an oppressive
society. She stated you had to adjust to survive . . . but there were family, friends, and nature.61
These types of claims and statements suggest that growing up in East Germany is the reason for
her humble nature. An article by Meke-Gluckert went on to claim her down to earth manner is a
typical characteristic seen amongst many eastern Germans.62 The articles above prove that her
down to earth manner and relatable personality are the reasons why so many adore her. She leads
in a way that reassures the public. With characteristics like these, it was easier for people to see
past the female stigma that was thrown at her when she first came into office.63 Merkel pushed

60 Wanda Meke-Gluckert, Angela Merkel, 14.

61 Roger Cohen, From Germanys East to West, Conservative Tries to Span Gulf,
A2.
62 Wanda Meke-Gluckert, Angela Merkel, 12.
63 Wanda Meke-Gluckert, Angela Merkel, 14.

through and overcame obstacles and was able to make a successful career for herself in a male
dominated position.
Conclusion
In Keohanes article On Leadership, she discusses how women take charge in their
leadership positions and stand up for themselves in male dominated positions. She states,

women leaders should not just automatically accept the

rules and practices that men have always followed, not go along
unthinkingly with what we are told is required for exercising
power. Women should use our fresh perspective64

This statement describes what Merkel had to do as she came into power. She was not a typical
woman and was about to an uncommon position for a female. Merkel had a certain set of
qualities from her background that aided her in gaining respect. At first she was questioned as to
whether she was a suitable chancellor but eventually she was able to overcome the stereotypes
and convince the public that she could successfully lead a country and more importantly Europe.
Merkel is not the only female who has made it to the top. There are female leaders around the
globe who are in similar positions. Many are very successful individuals who are working in
positions that have historically been dominated by men. Hilary Clinton has been a prominent
female leader in the U.S. and is constantly under the watchful eye of the public and media. Her
emotions and personal traits are often commented on and in recent news, she has been question

64 Nannerl O. Keohane, On Leadership, Perspectives on Leadership 3, no. 4

(December 2005): 718.

as to whether or not she can be a grandmother and still be a powerful politician.65 Chilean
President Michelle Bachelet has also been criticized for stereotypical female behavior. As a
presidential candidate, her intellectual competence was often questions because she was seen as
an emotional female.66 But just like Merkel, each of these individuals has had successful
careers despite gender based obstacles. By analyzing Merkels successful rise to the top, we can
better understand the steps that women have to take in order to achieve greatness in male
dominated roles.

65 Jon Stewart's Hilarious Takedown Of Sexism Looks At When 'It's OK To Be A P***y.

Huffington Post, accessed April 25, 2014, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/23/jonstewart-sexism_n_5196490.html

66 Ingrid Bachmann,Gender, Emotions, and Politiccs: A Comparison of National Press

Coverage of Female Political Leaders Emotional Management, 16.

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