Democratic Backsliding & Women in the Executive

• In Event: Democratic Backsliding

Abstract

When leaders subvert democratic principles are women brought in or pushed out of political positions? Using cross-national data, this paper first explores the link between democratic backsliding and the presence of women cabinet ministers. Next, the paper uses an original survey experiment in Tunisia to investigate how citizens respond to women politicians in periods of democratic crisis. By exploring the extent to which women are included in political office during democratic backsliding and the consequences of such inclusion in the eyes of the public, this work reveals news insights about the strategic use of women in office.

Author

• Monica Komer, University of Wisconsin--Madison