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Women’s Political Participation. Latvi a. University of Latvia, Riga Feministica Lettica Ausma Cimdina. Womens’s Political Participation. Latvia. Theoretical standpoint
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Women’sPolitical Participation. Latvia University of Latvia, Riga Feministica LetticaAusma Cimdina
Womens’s Political Participation. Latvia Theoretical standpoint Political participation and representation is a precondition of democracy, sustainable development, social progress,justice and security Women are under-represented in politics, decision-making and governance Under-representation of women in politics and decision-making is a waste of social capital
Main Research Areas Nature/Culture of Politics in Latvia Women and the Institution of Family / Family Politics Public Opinion/ Imagery
Nature/Culture of Politics Masculine by definition Negative definition of politics, especially in Post-Soviet society “High/hard politics” is considered dirty Woman is not willing and being able to play according to the rules of “hard politics” Woman is a site of conflicts and contradictions managing different social roles (family, motherhood, job, career, politics)
Institutional barriers for women’s participation Political parties Gender-created discourse of power Position, status, influence of woman in political party Media Do the media help or hinder? Image is more important than political vision Female politicians are being portrayed on the bases of stereotypes old and new Family- family politics, women’s role in family
Conclusions Women’s under representation in politics and governance may be reducated or eliminated by : - more purposeful activities towards the media and public opinion - conteracting gender stereotypisation in education - reorganisation of political and policy processes Quotas are not recognized as an instrument for gender balance implementation