Political parties, ideology and the substantive representation of women

Abstract

The recent finding that right-wing parties increasingly make efforts to integrate women’s concerns raises questions as to whether ideology still counts as a reliable indicator for women’s substantive representation and how different party contexts shape opportunities for the articulation of women’s interests. This article therefore critically reassesses how ideology defines the opportunities for women’s substantive representation, based on a comparative study of legislators’ acting on behalf of women in 14 European countries. We argue that ideology still offers an important explanation for women’s substantive representation, but that the link between the two should be conceptualized as complex rather than straightforward. The role of ideology is best understood if scholars (1) adopt an understanding of ‘ideology’ that allows for more variation and is conceptually different from ‘party’, (2) differentiate between gendered interests and feminist interests and (3) understand the impact of ideology as both direct and mediated.

Empowerment for Women Laborers Based on qCivic Educationq - A Case Study of Women Laborers of Cigarette Industry in Malang, Indonesia

“…The main function of political parties is as a bridge that links the interests of the people with the interests of the state [20][21] [22]. The interests of women who often have not been voiced should be the starting point of women in choosing the party [23][24] [25]. Materials given in the training: 1) Identification of women's interests; 2) Identification of political parties that are friendly to the interests of women.…”

Developing women laborers' understanding about their public role through civic education training: Study on cigarette industry in Malang, Indonesia

“…Therefore, the starting point for women interest is taking part in choosing a political party (Campbell, 2016;Childs, 2013;Erzeel & Celis, 2016). Furthermore, when the question is directed to the participants' knowledge about politics and political parties, participants also stated that they have no understanding of the matter.…”

Partai Islam, Tafsif Agama, dan Representasi Perempuan dalam Partai Persatuan Pembangunan

“…Beberapa studi yang dilakukan di negara demokrasi maju baik di Eropa maupun di Amerika, menunjukkan bahwa ideologi partai politik masih relevan dalam menghadirkan dan membaca kepentingan perempuan. Ideologi partai bahkan dapat pula mendorong keterwakilan substantif perempuan dalam politik karena ideologi yang dianut mampu memberikan keleluasaan bagi perempuan untuk dapat memperjuangkan hak-hak perempuan secara umum dalam agenda-agenda politik yang diusulkan (Caul, 1999;Erzeel & Celis, 2016).…”