FEATURES OF THE SPANISH POLITICAL SYSTEM: THE GENDER ASPECT

The article is devoted to identifying the peculiarities of the political system of Spain in the XX - early XXI centuries with the definition of gender manifestations. The author analyses the transformation from the Second Republic in Spain, the times of Franco’s regime to modern realities. The systemic features of gender identities during the change of political regimes are identified. Gender parity in the country’s political institutions at different stages of political change is also identified.The political system of modern Spain is characterized by a high democracy index and progress in addressing gender issues. The transformation of the country’s political sphere has been significant. Spain has experienced authoritarianism, a republican model and a constitutional monarchy. The political system was dominated by the male gender model. The study found that the level of women’s involvement in the political sphere and governance system was quite low due to prevailing ideological concepts and stereotypes. The historical, political and social origins and components of gender issues in the evolution of the political system were studied.The granting of basic democratic rights to women and their involvement in political processes and public life during the Second Republic in Spain under the Franco regime was again abolished. Women were deprived of political and many other rights. It is determined that the ideology of Francoism, which was based on the Catholic model and conservative values, outlined social and political roles from the standpoint of the patriarchal family model of interaction between the sexes. Gender inequality was embedded in political institutions and social standards and enshrined in legislation. In the political sphere, Francoism was characterized by gender polarization - the absolutisation of differences between men and women.The manifestations of gender inequality and parity in the Spanish establishment during the transformation of the political system and up to the present day are systematized. Stereotypes and obstacles encountered on the way to women’s political activity are identified. The analysis proves that the parity of gender roles in political representation in Spain is growing, although certain barriers remain.