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???

Political Attitudes of Voters

Sex Differences in Voters’ Attitudes

“Men Make Better Political Leaders than Women”Argentina 2005

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

Regional Overview

8

Affect of the Quota in Argentina

From Fairness to Consequences

10

Policies = Thematic Outsourcing

11

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

Women in Action