Starter
Today we will… Success Criteria Outline the representation of women and ethnic minorities within the Scottish Parliament Take note of reasons as to why these groups continue to be under- represented within the SP. Success Criteria Note the evidence which shows the representation of women and ethnic minorities Explain reasons as to why these 2 groups have less representation than others
How Representative is the Scottish Parliament?
This figure is disproportionate as women make up 41% of the population The results of the 2016 elections are disappointing. Only 45 women MSPs (34.9 per cent) have been elected to the fifth Scottish Parliament, the exact same proportion as in 2011. Some possible reasons for this low percentage are as follows: Parties may be reluctant to choose female candidates because they think they might lose voters- this is due to the perception that women cannot adequately make such important political decisions. Many women are the main carers in their family due to traditional gender roles – living and working in Edinburgh during the week might not be practical for some families due to their role as a homemaker. Many women take a career break when they have family – a political career takes many years to develop. For example, Nicola Sturgeon became a member of the SNP in 1986 and became FM upon the resignation of Alex Salmond in Nov 2014.
In 2012 the Guardian Newspaper carried out a “Women in Politics” study as part of the 101st International Women’s Day. Scotland were ranked 20th in the table behind countries such as Finland, Sweden and Norway who have 40% representation. Scotland triumphed over the UK who have 22.3% female representation. However the UK parliament does have 27/650 ethnic minorities (4%)
However, some argue that provisions are in place to encourage women to join the SP The working hours of the Scottish Parliament followed business hours, whereas MPs in Westminster are often in parliament until 10pm. This can often discourage women from taking part. Holidays in the Scottish Parliament tend to be at the same time as Scottish Schools whereas Westminster does not close for holidays until the end of August The Scottish Parliament has a crèche to look after the young children of MSPs. This is not provided at Westminster The voting system AMS has resulted in more women being voted in as MSPs due to the regional list- Margo Macdonald is a good example of this, In 2007, she comfortably won a seat on the Lothian regional list.
However, some argue that provisions are in place to encourage women to join the SP Some political parties in Scotland have selected more women candidates to stand for election. Parties have the opportunity for placing women towards the top of the regional list to improve representation. For example, Scottish Labour have applied strategies to increase the number of women in both the constituency seats and regional Lists. In constituency seats, the party requires gender-balanced short-lists. In the list seats zipping is used that alternate the name of candidates in order i.e. man-woman-man-woman. This is a form of positive discrimination.
Ethnic Minorities The make-up of the Scottish Parliament is even less positive when investigating the number of Ethnic Minority MSPs. Ethnic minorities continue to be underrepresented. There are only 2 ethnic minority MSPs out of 129 whereas this group make up 4% of the population. Humza Yousaf (SNP MSP)-Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Anas Sarwar (Labour MSP)
Ethnic Minorities Reasons may be: Parties are reluctant to choose ethnic minority candidates because they think they might lose voters. People from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to join political parties – they often feel the policies of the main parties do little to help them or present is institutional racism within the parties. In 2018, Anas Sarwar MSP claimed a Labour councillor expressed anti-Muslim hatred, when commenting on Sarwars standing against Richard Leonard in the Scottish Labour leadership contest. This MSP has been suspended from the party.
Ethnic Minorities Reasons may be: Some ethnic minorities are less likely to stay on at school or go onto university. The more educated a person is the more likely they are to take part in politics. For example, the Govanhill area in Glasgow's southside, is classed as Scotland's most ethnically diverse community, coming from 52 different ethnic minorities. Almost 40% of the adults have no qualifications and 39.3% of children grow up in workless households. The Scottish Parliament is predominately white. Many ethnic minorities feel they have few political role models to follow. There are only 2 ethnic minority MSPs out of 129 whereas this group make up 4% of the population. Humza Yousaf (SNP MSP)-Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Anas Sarwar (Labour MSP)
KU question: Explain, in detail, why the committee system ensures that the Scottish government are actively scrutinised. Give a maximum of two reasons in your answer. (6)