Women and Democracy in Latin America February 2010 Jennifer M. Piscopo Department of Political...
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Transcript of Women and Democracy in Latin America February 2010 Jennifer M. Piscopo Department of Political...
Women and Democracy in Latin America
February 2010
Jennifer M. PiscopoDepartment of Political ScienceCenter for U.S.-Mexican Studies
University of California, San Diego
BackgroundWomen During Democratic Transitions in Latin America (1980s)* forming and joining “new social movements”* toppling military dictators* participating in armed revolutions* overall: participating in politics
Women’s newfound activism leads to… … expectation that female leaders will participate in democracy, both as appointed and elected officials .(fairness argument) … women’s representation means that democratic governments will address welfare needs and gender inequality. (consequential argument)
Disillusionment
Demands: “Democracia en el país y en la casa.”Outcome: Not so much representation in democracy?
Sampling of % women elected in “founding” elections:Guatemala (1999) – 7% El Salvador (1994) – 10% Argentina (1987) – 5% (lower house)Chile (1990) – 6% (lower house) Brazil (1985) – 5%
* Why???
Problems and Solutions
* Problem: political parties as gatekeepers Latin American women only hold 10% of parties’ leadership positions, but comprise 50% of the parties’ base! “Business as usual” argument.
*Solution: Quotas -- “fit” with the electoral system-- loopholes and noncompliance
Electoral Quota Laws in Latin America
Doing Good (Strong Laws):* Argentina (30%): Passed 1991; Effective 1995* Mexico (30%): Passed 1996; Reformed 2000; Effective 2002* Costa Rica (40%): Passed 1996; Effective 2000
Doing Not-so-good (Weak Laws):* Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru* Brazil: exemplifies loopholes
No Laws: Guatemala, El Salvador, Chile
Advancing Women’s Rights??
THE PLUS SIDE: Quota success stories?* Argentina: far-reaching sexual health reforms* Mexico: violence against women, gender budget, equal opportunity* Costa Rica: domestic violence, education * Sidenote: women’s interests can be diverse in the population while women’s representation still produces a singular policy!
THE MINUS SIDE(1) Stigmatization of women elected under quotas(2) Women’s rights and women’s interests are “soft policies” Are women still marginalized from power?
Minus Side #1Stigmatization of “Quota Women”
“I nominated my wife for the second place. So we fulfilled our quota through marriage.” ~ male party leader and legislator
“The women call the men and ask them how to vote; then they vote.” ~ female legislator
“The women keep the seats warm until the men come back.” ~ female legislator
Myths and Realities
None Low Medium High Total
Men 3.3% (10) 3.3% (10) 37.2% (114) 56.2% (172) 100% (306)
Women 3.7% (5) 5.2% (7) 57% (77) 34.1% (46) 100% (135)
Past Political Experience of ALL Argentine Deputies from 1999-2007
Minus Side #2Representing Women or Entering Ghettos?
Is this pattern the representation of women’s interests in democracy or the marginalization of women in power???
Argentina* 4 female vice-presidents of the Chamber since 1991 (first one in 2005)
2007-2009 Chamber of Deputies * Power Commissions = Women Preside 6 of 20 (30%)* Social Commissions = Women Preside 11 of 24 (~45%)
Mexico* 4 female presidents of the Chamber since 1991
2009-2012 Chamber of Deputies* Power Commissions= Women Preside 3 of 33 (~9%)* Social Commissions = Women Preside 3 of 11 (~27%)
Punchlines
IPS headline in 2006 on Latin America:“A Few Women in Power, Millions Still Powerless”
Advancement of elite women ≠Advancement of all women in population
Position of power ≠ having power ≠end of gender discrimination