Impact of Gender Quotas

Description: The Impact of Gender Quotas is a theory-building and comparative exercise in elaborating concepts commonly used to analyze the broad impacts of gender quotas. Using a conceptual framework based upon descriptive, substantive and symbolic dimensions of representation, the book presents case studies from twelve countries in Western Europe, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia.

Review Quotes: "The editors have united leading experts on quotas and representation in different regions of the world within a superbly crafted common theoretical framework to create an outstanding volume that is both theoretically and substantively enriching. The Impact of Gender Quotas expands our understanding of the effect of electoral gender quotas on descriptive, substantive, and symbolic representation while simultaneously providing an innovative guide for future research in this crucial area of scholarly inquiry."--Mark P. Jones, Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies & Chair of the Department of Political Science, Rice University

"This impressive edited collection greatly advances the field of electoral quota research. The unmistakable conclusion is that gender quotas will not work to shift the quality of public decision-making towards advancing women's interests unless grounded in two crucial political evolutions. The first is the emergence of a political constituency with the commitment and capacity to hold politicians of whatever gender to account for performance on women's rights. The second is political party leadership willing to make women's participation and gender equality principles non-negotiable in public decision-making. Though sobering, the authors are right. There are two clear paths for realizing women's rights: strengthening women's autonomous organizing, and building the accountability and transparency of decision-making in political parties."-- Anne-Marie Goetz, Chief Advisor of Governance, Peace and Security, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

"A fine collection ... Highly recommended." --CHOICE