This study examines the effectiveness of women and men legislators in Argentina (1983-2007) regarding bill approval. Contrary to expectations, gender itself does not directly impact legislative success when controlling for other factors.
Institutional Pathways:
The author argues that indirect effects are significant: Women face disadvantages due to limited access to influential institutional positions. These pathways include:
- Lack of committee leadership roles
- Unfavorable committee assignments
- Disadvantages related to bill content choices
Findings:
- No direct effect of gender on bill approval was found.
- Women experience negative consequences indirectly through restricted access to powerful positions. Men, conversely, gain advantages from these institutional roles.
Methodology and Significance:
The analysis uses causal mediation techniques with Argentina's legislative data (1983-2007). This research provides crucial insights into political representation by demonstrating how gender affects outcomes indirectly through access to key positions.
