Beyond Electoral Rules: Women Political Rights in Mexico and Brazil since Democratic Transitions

Abstract The article examines how feminist agendas have prioritized political representation to advance women’s political rights. Moving beyond institutional variables in mainstream political science, it employs the theory-guided process-tracing method to explore how democratic transitions shape the relationship between feminist movements, political parties, legislatures, and the state. The study compares the trajectories of feminist movements in Brazil and Mexico, highlighting distinct patterns of interaction. In Mexico, a transition focused on electoral processes and party alternation fostered a feminist network that prioritized women’s political rights, party involvement, and legislative reforms. In contrast, Brazil’s transition from military rule to democracy saw feminists align with left-wing opposition parties and participatory initiatives. Drawing on historical sources and interviews, the analysis shows that while descriptive electoral representation is central to feminist agendas in Mexico, it holds a more peripheral role in Brazil, reflecting differing historical paths.