Diversity and Presidential Cabinet Appointments*

Abstract

Objective A significant indicator of a president's commitment to equality in American society can be found in the people appointed to fill senior‐level positions within the administration. Method The history of diversity appointments to the cabinet is reviewed with more detailed analysis of cabinet and Executive Office of the President (EOP) appointees since the Carter presidency. Results The pattern of appointments of women and minorities is one of plateaus, with Carter making notable advancements in the appointment of women and African Americans and Obama's initial appointments taking diversity of appointments to a new level. In particular, more women and minorities appointed by Obama have elite connections as defined by Dye. Conclusion Despite greater numbers than in the past, diversity appointments represent desegregation of the cabinet and White House rather than full integration of women and minorities into the upper reaches of the executive branch.