The subject of why some poets seem to often win contests run by specific sponsors, or seem to excel in specific spheres of expression, has been discussed in the past. I would like to bring a fresh perspective to this debate.
While gender might not explicitly dictate how a contestant perceives a prompt, it can subtly influence aspects like theme preference, emotional approach, and even stylistic choices due to social conditioning, lived experiences, and exposure to different literary traditions.
Certain prompts might resonate more with one group based on shared cultural narratives, expectations, or even historical trends in literature. For example, a prompt centred on themes of solitude or war may subconsciously attract more male participants, whereas themes of care giving or interpersonal reflection might see a stronger female response—not due to inherent disposition, but due to societal structures shaping exposure and expression. Of course, this is not rigid; individual variance always overrides broad trends.
Another factor could be contest visibility and confidence levels. Research suggests that, in some domains, men may submit more entries simply because they are socialised to take more risks, while women might self-edit more or hesitate before entering—especially if the contest includes elements of competition.
Rather than saying outright that gender influences who wins, it may be that certain prompts inherently resonate more with different groups, affecting entry volume and stylistic tendencies. That, in turn, shapes which submissions rise to the top—not because judges prefer one gender’s work, but because the strongest responses align with the themes most naturally engaged by different writing tendencies.
But ultimately, great poetry transcends all boundaries, and what resonates with judges depends on many factors beyond gender alone.
Contest
Don’t forget to check out my current contest, Memento on the Moon.
Definition of ‘Memento’
The word memento refers to anything kept as a reminder or souvenir, regardless of size. While many mementos tend to be small and portable – like a ticket stub, a seashell, or a pressed flower – there’s no strict size limitation. A painting, an old typewriter, or even a restored car could serve as a memento if it holds sentimental value and represents a memory.
Essentially, it's all about the emotional significance rather than the physical dimensions.