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Gender gap in politician performance and its determinants

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  • Garcia-Hernandez, Ana
  • Grossman, Guy
  • Michelitch, Kristin

Abstract

Women politicians face barriers that can undermine their performance relative to men. Using original micro-data from Uganda, we test for gender gaps in performance across different job duties in subnational legislatures. We hypothesize, and find, that performance gender gaps are greatest in job duties that require greater peer interaction (legislative duties), while no such gaps exist in more individually-performed duties (e.g., meeting with the electorate, facilitating constituency development). Fine-grained network data reveals women's informal exclusion in politician networks, and this exclusion holds explanatory power in explaining job duties requiring interaction with fellow politicians. Further, qualifications and previous experience also determine part of the gender performance gap in more intricate tasks. Moving forward, advocacy organizations may consider holding trainings and simulations with politicians on performing job duties in ways that encourage cross-gender professional network ties.

Suggested Citation

  • Garcia-Hernandez, Ana & Grossman, Guy & Michelitch, Kristin, 2022. "Gender gap in politician performance and its determinants," Ruhr Economic Papers 972, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:972
    DOI: 10.4419/96973137
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Politician performance; informal exclusion; networks; gender gap;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • H79 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Other
    • H83 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Public Administration
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government

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