Gender and Political Representation (Summer term 2025)

Fancy Table

Content


This seminar deals with the (under)representation of women in politics. The course follows an empirical, comparativist approach. After reaching a basic understanding of crucial concepts in the study of gender, we will assess how a lack of women in politics translates into a gap in substantive representation. Moreover, we will assess how gender norms, a crucial determinant of women's underrepresentation in politics, are transmitted intergenerationally. In the second part of the seminar, we will read several papers that test how gender inequalities are affected by cultural and institutional factors, and how how gender gaps are maintained through demand- and supply-side dynamics. In a final block, we will critically evaluate different mechanisms tackling gender inequalities in politics, such as quotas, role models and language.

You can download the most recent version of the syllabus here.
The seminar takes place weekly, on Wednesday (16:15-17:45) in seminar room SCH 100.124.

Material


Week 1: Introduction (09 April 2025)

In this session, we will get to know each other and discuss some logistics about the seminar. Moreover, a brief introduction into the topic is given.
Slides

Week 2: Concepts

We will talk about about comparison in political science. Moreover, we will introduce crucial concepts in the study of gender in politics.
Slides
Mindmap on good research

Week 3: Representation

This week, we deal with different conceptualizations of representation and debate whether descriptive representation can foster gender equality in politics.
Slides

Week 4: Norms

Norms are essential for social order. They shape how we think and behave. In this week, we'll discuss what norms are, how they evolve and how they are transmitted to the next generation while discussing their significance in the context of gender.
Slides

Week 5: Legacies

How do gender norms come into being? We focus on an application of cultural transmission, arguing that an agricultural reform -- the emergence of the plough -- has reinforced gendered household division with lasting effects up until today.
Slides

Week 6: Institutions

This week, we discuss the role of political institutions, such as the electoral system and the candidate selection process, for the participation and representation of women in politics.
Slides