Female Political Representation: A Global Analysis and a Domestic Proposal

Abstract

This paper explores the underrepresentation of women in government. I will examine the global percentages of women in national governments, and the benefits of striving towards equal representation. Understanding the benefits that female politicians bring to society leads to conversations about why nations everywhere should aim for parity and how to achieve it. I will then focus on the situation in the United States, the inadequate female political representation, and reasons behind it. I will largely be looking at those reasons behind low percentages and conclude with the theoretical proposal of a quota system in the U.S. and whether or not it might be a step in the right direction. Readers can hope to gain a better understanding of the adversities women in politics face and the cruciality of increasing the percentages of female politicians in the United States.