Fierce Resistance to Legislative Gender Quotas in the Czech Republic and Potential for its Repoliticization
Abstract
This paper aims to examine the gender quota debate in the Czech Republic and to identify the discourse surrounding the recent rejection of quotas there. While gender quotas have been rapidly disseminating all over the world to remedy women's political underrepresentation, Czech political representatives recently rejected introduction of legislative quotas despite the country's pronounced gender imbalance in decision-making positions across the EU.
The paper will discuss a particular context of political debate regarding gender quotas, point to reasons why the proposal met with fierce resistance and last but not least, seek to expose the potential for repoliticization for recognition of gender inequalities and achievement of their balance. Focusing primarily on statements of politicians (Czech MPs and members of the Government) in media and in public and on their key arguments for or against quotas, this paper will use methodology of critical discourse analysis.
In addition, we will pay attention to attitudes of political parties for their gatekeeper position for access to the political representation. The current under-representation of women in elected assemblies (world average 22,5 %) is a serious democratic deficit threatening the legitimacy of political institutions.
That is why gender imbalance in politics and measures increasing women's political participation such as quotas should be taken into consideration while discussing "Politics in a World of Inequality".