These issues contrast sharply with traditional male-centered ideologies and give renewed vigor to a revised moral point of view in contemporary politics. The essays also demonstrate that women governors must still work within the traditional societal constructs for women.

An exploration of the discourse women use to negotiate boundaries. The analysis, based on the study of five governors -including Martha Layne Collins and Barbara Roberts - illustrates that women bring issues of caring, empowerment, family, and inclusivity into the office.