Alderwomen Meaning: Definition and Examples
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alderwomen
[ˈɔːldərˌwʊmən ]
Definition
political role
An alderwoman is a female member of an elected legislative body, often a municipal council. Aldermen and alderwomen are responsible for representing their constituents and making decisions on local laws and policies.
Synonyms
councilwoman, female council member, local legislator.
Examples of usage
- The alderwoman proposed a new community park.
- In the meeting, the alderwoman addressed the concerns of local residents.
- Voters are encouraged to support their local alderwoman.
- The alderwoman advocates for environmental issues in the city.
- She was elected as alderwoman after a close campaign.
Interesting Facts
Political Representation
- In various regions, including the U.S. and the U.K., women's representation in local government has steadily increased since the 1980s.
- Organizations advocating for women's representation often encourage women to run for local councils, resulting in a growing number of alderwomen across cities.
- Some cities have adopted gender quotas, ensuring a specific percentage of elected positions are held by women, thus increasing the likelihood of alderwomen being elected.
Cultural Impact
- Aldermen and alderwomen often engage with community issues, making them pivotal figures in local cultural developments and community programs.
- Alderwomen can influence policies, including those related to gender equality, leading initiatives to support women's rights within their communities.
- The success of alderwomen has encouraged younger generations of women to pursue careers in public service and politics.
Education
- Many programs exist to mentor young women in political leadership, emphasizing the importance of representation like that of alderwomen.
- Educational curriculums about civic engagement often highlight the roles of women in local government, showcasing examples of successful alderwomen.
- Scholars and activists study the impacts of female leadership on community engagement and governance, advocating for more inclusive political practices.
Origin of 'alderwomen'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'alderman' originally comes from Old English, meaning 'elder man' and is derived from the prefix 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise'.
- Historically, many of the roles that are now represented by 'alderwomen' were exclusively held by men, reflecting the gender dynamics of the past.
- The addition of the feminine form 'alderwoman' emerged in the late 20th century as part of broader movements for gender equality in political offices.
The term 'alderwoman' is derived from 'alderman,' which has Old English roots, with 'alder' meaning 'old' or 'elder' and 'man' signifying a person. The term was historically used to designate a member of a council, typically with a male connotation, but over time, the need for gender-specific terms led to the adaptation of 'alderwoman' to specifically denote female members of legislative bodies. As societies moved towards more inclusive language, the usage of 'alderwoman' became more prevalent, reflecting the expanding role of women in politics and governance. The establishment of women as representatives in local government also underscores the broader movements for women's rights and equality, allowing for greater female participation in public affairs, particularly in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,751, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.