Women, Power, and Policy in Brazil

with Clara Araújo & Mala Htun

Gender and Representation in Latin America, edited by Leslie Schwindt-Bayer, 211-227. New York: Oxford University Press.

Abstract: Clara Araújo, Anna Calasanti, and Mala Htun explore the obstacles to women’s political representation in Brazil. They argue that the reasons for women’s low numbers in elected office derive from aspects of the country’s political institutions. These include candidate-centered electoral rules, the fragmentation of the party system, and decentralized nomination procedures within political parties. The high cost of political campaigns, and the interaction of incumbency and access to television time for candidates, augment these barriers. Despite their low numbers, women in elected office have worked together through a women’s caucus in Congress (bancada feminina) to promote legislation on women’s rights issues.