Women & Politics · 1996 · 152 citations · 0 references
Social SciencesGender StudiesPolitical ScienceGenderGender PolicyLegislative PoliticsElectionsElectoral ReformGender EqualityGender Equality In LawGender Equality PolicyPolitical Representation PolicyFemale Political RepresentationGender Quotas In ElectionsPolitical Representation Of WomenPolitical Representation QuotasQuotas For Gender EqualityWomen In Electoral PoliticsWomen In LegislaturesWomen's Representation In Parties
The Argentine Ley de Cupos (Law of Quotas) is the singular example of a national law requiring all political parties to place a minimum quota of women in electable positions on their party lists for the election of national deputies. The law represents an important and previously untried interim method in the worldwide struggle to achieve gender parity in legislative bodies. This article examines the electoral impact of Ley de Cupos, discussing both its success in increasing the number of women elected as well as some areas of concern. It concludes by assessing the practical implications of the Argentine model for other nations considering a gender quota law.