Gender Differences in the Legislative Yuan
Author: Wan-ying, Yang
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
Compared with past studies of female compatibility with men in the arena of representational politics, this study goes further, and looks to explore exactly what it is that distinguishes women from men, and the rationale of considering gender divisions as an integral part of normal party politics. I start with the theoretical discussion regarding representation. The liberal theorists maintain that our representative bodies should transcend interests based on group identity. In contrast, the supporters of the politics of identity claim that representatives should represent different identity groups, and particularly those that are oppressed. To evaluate whether gender makes a difference in terms of legislator’s attitudes toward representation, I interviewed a sample of legislators to explore and compare male and female representatives’ conceptualizations and attitudes to representation. Over all, I have observed a significant gender difference as regards women’s issues, with respect to constituency perception and policy priority. I also find a causal link between these two seemingly correspondent gender patterns. Even though the variety of considerations may prevent women from bringing forth any significant changes, women are more likely to be involved with or develop women’s networks, and that such networking is conducive to developing a stronger female group identity and identifying with women’s culture.