Women’s Mobilizations for Political Representation in Patriarchal States: Models from Japan and South Korea

Abstract

In the 21st century, women’s underrepresentation in politics continues to be a global phenomenon. Men comprise an overwhelming majority of elected officials, whereas women hold only 22.2 percent of lower and single house seats (as of 1 April 2015, IPU 2015). Gender equality in political representation did not follow either the dramatic democratization of authoritarian regimes or efforts to enhance women’s social and economic status. Japan and South Korea provide telling examples of such gaps.