Does gendered representation in national legislatures promote substantive representation and human development? Evidence from the developing world

Abstract

AbstractDespite the increase in the share of women in national legislatures in the developing world, scholars are still debating if gender‐diversified legislatures promote women‐friendly policies or negate women's empowerment attributed to intersectional demands, the absence of a critical mass, and continued gendered patriarchy. Previous studies also lack generalizability as they are based on single‐country studies or cross‐national research with samples restricted by region or constrained to affluent nation‐states. To resolve the conundrum pertaining to understanding the nature of substantive representation in the non‐Western world, a panel study of 64 developing countries from 2005–2019 is employed. The study finds evidence that increased legislative representation by women is positively associated with the implementation of policies that promote higher levels of gender equality, social inclusion, and human development. The results imply that women's legislative presence in the global south has significant contributions in terms of affecting policy outcomes that improve the human condition.Related ArticlesGreen, David R. 2003. “The Effects of Member Gender and Constituency Characteristics on Southern Congressional Voting Behavior, 1972‐2000.” Politics & Policy 31(1): 80–104. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.1998.tb00471.x.Sahfie, David M. 2008. “Women and Representation at Major Party Conventions, 1972‐1992.” Politics & Policy 26(1): 45–77. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2003.tb00888.x.Whistler, Donald E., and Mark C. Ellickson. 2010. “A Rational Choice Approach to Explaining Policy Preferences and Concern for Representing Women among State Legislators.” Politics & Policy 38(1): 25–51. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00227.x.