I’m not Male, not White, Want to Start There?: Identity Work in Toronto’s Mayoral Election

• In Event: 519 - Section on Race, Class and Gender Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 04. Adding New Intersections

Abstract

Where can minority women candidates succeed in electoral politics? In many ways, Canada functions as a test case for this question. With a strong social welfare system, inclusive immigration policies, a diverse electorate, and cities like Toronto that boast multiculturalism, Canada seems like it has a recipe for success. Furthermore, in 2014, political chaos swept Toronto, putting municipal government on the world stage. Mayor Rob Ford was labeled an embarrassment, and the populist, conservative agenda he long symbolized was at risk of collapse. With a mayoral election around the corner, a high-profile progressive politician had decided to throw her hat into the ring. Olivia Chow was an instant front-runner for mayor. In addition to her formal political accomplishments, Chow’s identity uniquely positioned her candidacy in the mayoral race. When asked what made her different Chow responded by stating, “I’m not male, not white, want to start there?”. Yet, despite Chow’s impressive record, grassroots connections, and early lead in the polls, she was unsuccessful in becoming Mayor of Toronto. This paper examines the issue of identity work on the campaign trail, arguing that Chow’s status, as a minority candidate, required her to negotiate and mobilize identity in ways that were different from her opponents. This resulted in political compensatory labour for Chow, disadvantaging her campaign. A qualitative intersectional analysis, based on participant observation of 20 mayoral debates, reveals the complex functioning of gender and race in politics, and points to the durability of the archetype of the white-male politician.

Author

• Elise Maiolino, University of Toronto