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Equality prescribed? Contextual determinants of citizens' support for gender boardroom quotas across Europe
[journal article]
Abstract We provide the first cross-national comparative study of citizens' support for affirmative action policies in the economy using the example of gender quotas for company boards. In contrast to previous studies, we focus on the contextual level and analyse how factors related to political institutions... view more
We provide the first cross-national comparative study of citizens' support for affirmative action policies in the economy using the example of gender quotas for company boards. In contrast to previous studies, we focus on the contextual level and analyse how factors related to political institutions and actors, and economic and social structure shape citizens’ support and the gap in support between men and women. We apply multilevel regression analyses of Eurobarometer data for 27 European countries. Levels of support and gender gaps in support for boardroom quotas vary largely between countries. Contextual factors related to existing quota laws, gender equality in social and economic life, and public opinion towards state intervention are important determinants of cross-national variation. Our results point to an ambiguous relationship of support for gender quotas and actual gender equality in a country. Citizens' endorsement of quotas is low in countries with high levels of formal gender equality. Support is higher in countries where interventionist policies are widely accepted. Also, existing quota laws are positively related to citizens’ support of boardroom quotas.... view less
Keywords
gender relations; discrimination; Europe; attitude; political sociology; proportion of women; multi-level analysis; board of directors; quota; affirmative action
Classification
Women's Studies, Feminist Studies, Gender Studies
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Management Science
Free Keywords
Gender equality; ZA5565: Eurobarometer 76.1 (2011)
Document language
English
Publication Year
2020
Page/Pages
p. 560-589
Journal
Comparative European Politics, 18 (2020)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1057/s41295-019-00199-w
ISSN
1740-388X
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed