Abstract

With the democratization of countries across the globe, women have realized a greater need for political representation. Hence, the implementation of gender quotas has become increasingly popular. It is arguable that no single country has achieved a status in which women have achieved parity with men in elected office. Some countries have made great strides, however. Today, more than one hundred countries have implemented gender quota systems requiring quotas for the candidacy of females for political office.Many studies have been completed to determine their value, efficiency, and impact. However, it has yet to be determined whether or not a gender quota system has a positive, negative, or neutral impact on women’s rights in general. This study will examine features of gender quota systems, specifically in Latin American countries and determine whether or not they have had an overall negative or positive impact on the cause for women’s rights, or, if there is any impact whatsoever. I concede that gender quotas have seen relative success in the election of women to political seats, however, I assert that their inability to result in a true impact on gender equality constitute an ineffectual attempt.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-10-2015

Mentor

Carolyn Renee Dupont

Mentor Department Affiliation

History

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies

Department Name when Degree Awarded

History

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