Ontolokey

The numbers paint a clear picture: according to an estimate by the University of Stuttgart, the proportion of women serving as mayors in Germany is only about 13.5%. The question is therefore justified: why is this the case—and what structural changes would be necessary?

Part of the answer may lie in fundamental differences between people—both psychological and biological. Not only is the human psyche complex, but so too is the influence of the hormonal system on behavior, motivation, and life priorities.

For example, testosterone can encourage particularly dominant and leadership-oriented behavior in certain personality types—such as strongly extraverted “thinking” personalities as described in models like Ontolokey (e.g., ESTJ or ENTJ). These personalities tend to take responsibility, make decisions, and act outwardly in the world. In typological models such as Ontolokey, Socionics, or MBTI, this drive toward societal roles is often explained through extraverted functional structures that can motivate people to take leadership roles in organizations, administration, or politics.

This does not mean that this applies exclusively to men. However, it partly explains why many men are more often found in hierarchical and competitive environments—such as politics, public administration, or leadership positions.

For many women, other biological and social factors tend to play a greater role during the first half of life. Hormones such as estrogen and oxytocin are strongly associated with bonding, care, and social closeness. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body, hormonal system, and psyche naturally work together to focus on children and family. This pattern is not only observed in humans but also throughout the animal kingdom.

Of course, there are exceptions. Some women have a stronger competitive hormonal profile, just as some men have more socially oriented priorities. Non-binary individuals and different personality types also show that human behavior is highly diverse. Personalities such as ENFP or INTP, for example, often prioritize creativity, research, travel, or personal freedom, while other types may have less interest in public positions of power.

An interesting point, however, arises later in life: many women experience a significant hormonal shift with menopause. Estrogen levels decline, a phase of life comes to an end, and for many this creates a new focus on social roles, personal development, and new challenges—even outside the family.

This is precisely where a major societal potential could lie. Women could take on more leadership roles during this phase of life—including in local politics.

The structural problem, however, is this: by the time this stage is reached, many women often lack the formal preparation for such positions. Political or administrative careers rarely emerge spontaneously—they usually build on decades of experience, networks, and qualifications. Those who did not prepare for such roles in the first half of life may find it difficult to attain them later.

So what would need to change structurally?

Women should be encouraged more strongly to reflect on their long-term potential at an early stage. If people understand very early on what kind of personality structure they have and which roles might suit them in the long term, they can plan their lives more strategically.

For example, someone who realizes at the age of 20 that they might later be interested in social responsibility or leadership roles has around 30 years to prepare—through further education, volunteer work, NGO involvement, local initiatives, or experience in municipal politics.

In this way, women could live out their roles in family and career while gradually building competencies that are also relevant for public leadership positions later in life.

Perhaps the solution therefore lies not only in quotas or short-term measures, but also in long-term personal development and strategic preparation for the second half of life.