Abstract

In 2000, following decades of underrepresentation of women in politics, France implemented robust gender quota laws for National Assembly elections that required parties to nominate fifty percent men and fifty percent women. The laws were celebrated for guaranteeing gender parity in access to office. Despite increases in women’s representation with each election following the implementation of the parity law, the two most recent elections have shown no progress. Despite these quota laws in France, women’s representation in legislatures remains similar to other democracies. I seek to understand what barriers exist for women accessing political office, specifically in the National Assembly. I examine France’s unique historical legacy of the exclusion of women from politics and the importance of the concept of the universal citizen. I also delve into issues and gaps within the legislation itself. A lack of placement mandates and other factors can tempt parties to defect from following the law’s obligation. I also find that cultural factors, such as childcare obligations and depictions of women in the media, affect women’s equal access to political office. Using a combination of historical analysis, institutionalism, and a cultural lens, I conclude that the parity laws in France are not a sufficient condition for equality in access to National Assembly office. There are still significant barriers – both in the law itself, and from cultural and historical legacies - that affect women’s equal representation in French politics.