Gender Quotas for Legislatures and Corporate Boards

Area of Science:

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Business Administration

Background:

• Global rise in gender quotas over 30 years.
• Quotas target historically male-dominated decision-making roles (electoral, corporate boards).
• Adoption of quotas has faced controversy.

Purpose of the Study:

• Distinguish types of electoral and corporate gender quotas.
• Trace arguments for and against quota adoption.
• Review factors influencing quota adoption globally.
• Examine research on the impact of gender quotas in politics and business.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis.
• Analysis of factors influencing quota adoption.
• Examination of methodological challenges in impact assessment.
• Review of studies isolating quota impacts.

Main Results:

• Quotas have influenced women's numbers in decision-making positions.
• Quotas impact the performance and outcomes of political and corporate bodies.
• Research demonstrates quantifiable impacts of gender quotas.

Conclusions:

• Gender quotas are consequential tools for women's inclusion.
• Further research is needed to understand quota dynamics and effects.
• Suggestions provided for advancing future research on gender quotas.