Party Politics and the Implementation of Gender Quotas

This edited collection examines the influence of party politics on gender quota implementation in Europe, highlighting resistance from institutions while showcasing strategies by advocates to promote gender equality in political representation.

Party Politics and the Implementation of Gender Quotas is an edited collection that delves into the complex relationship between party politics and the enforcement of gender quotas in political representation throughout Europe. The book highlights how both voluntary party quotas and legislative quotas have gained traction, while simultaneously revealing the various strategies employed to undermine these initiatives.

The contributors to this volume examine the roles of different actors, institutions, and cultural legacies that influence the practical application of gender quotas. The subtitle, Resisting Institutions, underscores the numerous ways in which political parties and other European institutions have historically resisted the inclusion of women in politics. This resistance poses significant challenges to achieving gender parity in legislative bodies.

Despite these obstacles, the book also emphasizes the resilience of gender equality advocates who have developed strategies to counteract institutional blockages. Through 17 case studies from various countries, the collection provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of quota implementation and the ongoing struggle against patriarchal structures. This multifaceted exploration not only sheds light on the challenges faced in advancing gender equality but also highlights the innovative approaches taken by activists to promote parity in political representation.