1. Women and Democracy in Latin America February 2010 Jennifer M. Piscopo Department of Political Science Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies University of California, San Diego

2. Background Women During Democratic Transitions in Latin America (1980s) * forming and joining “new social movements” * toppling military dictators * participating in armed revolutions * overall: participating in politics Women’s newfound activism leads to… … expectation that female leaders will participate in democracy, both as appointed and elected officials.(fairness argument) … women’s representation means that democratic governments will address welfare needs and gender inequality. (consequential argument)

3. Disillusionment Demands: “Democracia en el pa ís y en la casa.” Outcome: Not so much representation in democracy? Sampling of % women elected in “founding” elections: Guatemala (1999) – 7% El Salvador (1994) – 10% Argentina (1987) – 5% (lower house) Chile (1990) – 6% (lower house) Brazil (1985) – 5% * Why???

4. Political Attitudes of Voters

5. Sex Differences in Voters’ Attitudes “Men Make Better Political Leaders than Women” Argentina 2005

6. Problems and Solutions * Problem: political parties as gatekeepers  Latin American women only hold 10% of parties’ leadership positions, but comprise 50% of the parties’ base!  “Business as usual” argument. *Solution: Quotas -- “fit” with the electoral system -- loopholes and noncompliance

7. Electoral Quota Laws in Latin America Doing Good (Strong Laws): * Argentina (30%): Passed 1991; Effective 1995 * Mexico (30%): Passed 1996; Reformed 2000; Effective 2002 * Costa Rica (40%): Passed 1996; Effective 2000 Doing Not-so-good (Weak Laws): * Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru * Brazil: exemplifies loopholes No Laws: Guatemala, El Salvador, Chile

8. Regional Overview 8

9. Affect of the Quota in Argentina

10. From Fairness to Consequences 10

11. Policies = Thematic Outsourcing 11

12. Advancing Women’s Rights?? THE PLUS SIDE: Quota success stories? * Argentina: far-reaching sexual health reforms * Mexico: violence against women, gender budget, equal opportunity * Costa Rica: domestic violence, education * Sidenote: women’s interests can be diverse in the population while women’s representation still produces a singular policy! THE MINUS SIDE (1) Stigmatization of women elected under quotas (2) Women’s rights and women’s interests are “soft policies”  Are women still marginalized from power?

13. Minus Side #1 Stigmatization of “Quota Women” “I nominated my wife for the second place. So we fulfilled our quota through marriage.” ~ male party leader and legislator “The women call the men and ask them how to vote; then they vote.” ~ female legislator “The women keep the seats warm until the men come back.” ~ female legislator

14. Myths and Realities NoneLowMediumHighTotal Men 3.3% (10) 37.2% (114)56.2% (172)100% (306) Women 3.7% (5)5.2% (7)57% (77)34.1% (46)100% (135) Past Political Experience of ALL Argentine Deputies from 1999-2007

15. Minus Side #2 Representing Women or Entering Ghettos? Is this pattern the representation of women’s interests in democracy or the marginalization of women in power??? Argentina * 4 female vice-presidents of the Chamber since 1991 (first one in 2005) 2007-2009 Chamber of Deputies * Power Commissions = Women Preside 6 of 20 (30%) * Social Commissions = Women Preside 11 of 24 (~45%) Mexico * 4 female presidents of the Chamber since 1991 2009-2012 Chamber of Deputies * Power Commissions= Women Preside 3 of 33 (~9%) * Social Commissions = Women Preside 3 of 11 (~27%)

16. Punchlines IPS headline in 2006 on Latin America: “A Few Women in Power, Millions Still Powerless” Advancement of elite women ≠ Advancement of all women in population Position of power ≠ having power ≠ end of gender discrimination

17. Women in Action