Does Descriptive Representation of Women Have Any Consequences for Policy?

• In Event: Representation, Group Interests and the Political System

Abstract

The potential relation between descriptive and substantive representation is particularly alluring for social scientists as it implies a connection between decision-makers’ characteristics and the policy choices they deliver. In this study we examine this potential linkage, focusing on women politicians, because we expect them to have different preferences from men and to be more inclined to represent their gender. We ask whether the level of descriptive representation of women has any consequences for the output of three policy areas that are often closely related to them: childcare, elderly care and cultural policy. To answer this we use data from a pooled sample of the Swedish municipalities and examine whether the share and composition of women councillors influence the prioritisation of these three policy areas. In contrast to expectations, the finding show no such linkage; instead, economic and demographical aspects dominate.

Authors

• John Högström, Mid Sweden University

• Gustav Lidén, Mid Sweden University