Gender and politics in Portugal

Abstract

This chapter surveys the literature on gender and politics in Portugal, focusing on explanations for gender differences in political participation and representation. We map trends in women’s inclusion in key areas of political life: from conventional to unconventional political participation, to the election of women in parliamentary parties (descriptive representation), and responsiveness to women’s policy demands (substantive representation). Putting Portugal in comparative perspective, we highlight the crucial roles of state feminism, women activists within parties, and strategic incentives of parties in progressing gender equality. We suggest several avenues for developing future research which leverages the Portuguese case, including the downstream impacts of political gender quotas, intersectional and non-binary analysis, and the symbolic impact of women’s inclusion in public life.