The effect of modernization on the representation of women in parliament - a case study of Estonia

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the issue of under-representation of women in the Estonian parliament (Riigikogu) with the help of Ronald Inglehart, Pippa Norris and Christian Welzel's approach of modernization. The analysis of the situation in Estonia, as a unique case makes it possible to test the theory in use. The empirical analysis consists mainly of data derived from semi-structured interviews with experts in the eld of gender equality in Estonia. As Estonia has yet to emphasize the importance of gender equality, today, women are still highly under-represented in the Riigikogu. The main results show that while the scholars claim that cultural barriers constitute the main hurdle for women to enter the political sphere, in the case of Estonia, the socioeconomic situation and institutional barriers clearly keep women from the possibility to participate in politics. Further, instead of religion as main cultural in uence, in Estonia the cultural heritage is largely de ned by the society's Soviet past. The overall conclusions state that while the theory at use seemed to be applicable universally, in the case of Estonia it cannot be applied fully, as crucial in uences are not taken into account by the theory.