The Increasing Effectiveness of National Gender Quotas, 1990-2010

• In Event: 185 - Regular Session. New Directions In Political Sociology

Abstract

National gender quotas–policies that require women's representation among candidates or legislators–are becoming more effective over time. Using data on 145 countries from 1990 to 2010, we document this trend with latent growth curve models. Part of the explanation for increasing effectiveness is that that countries have ratcheted up targets for women’s inclusion and quotas are increasingly written in ways that make them more effective at achieving stated goals. Political elites and policymakers have learned over time which quota policies are most effective and increasingly implemented quotas with provisions that lead to success. But, changes in rules alone do not account for the increasing effectiveness of quotas over time. It appears that changing norms about women’s representation in politics are also increasing quota effectiveness regardless of policy design.

Author

• Melanie M. Hughes, University of Pittsburgh