| Popis: |
To overcome gender bias and long-standing inequalities, more than 110 countries worldwide are reported to practice gender quotas in some form. Nonetheless, electoral quotas are not uncontroversial, despite their political appeal and common adoption. Critics note that such measures run a danger of bringing to office individuals who lack the necessary qualifications and who may then be easily manipulated. Supporters in comparison argue that empowering members of groups who have historically been disadvantaged can result in more inclusive processes of policy-making - drawing in those previously excluded and enhancing the universality of legislative perspectives. This can change the outcomes from political decision-making to the extent that it improves access to public goods by those who had earlier been excluded or marginalised. The majority of comparative literature on women’s representation has argued that more inclusive and diverse legislatures are fundamental for the democratic legitimacy of elected bodies, primarily because they provide a voice for historically underrepresented groups. Studies also suggest that female participation in legislative processes helped to overcome gender bias in access to specific services and that female legislators tended to allocate more funds to causes important to women. In light of these arguments, the question remains one to discuss and opine on: are specific gender quotas the adequate instrument to give women access to power in order to achieve the ultimate goal of gender equal participation in decision-making processes? Furthermore, this dissertation aims to answer the question whether electoral gender quotas have an impact on policy outcomes enhancing women’s life and on women’s representation in a broader sense. |
