Power Struggles over Gender Equality in Politics : Recent patterns of Resistance and Change in Brazil

Changing institutions which are designed from the outset to disadvantage marginalized groups is a complex task. This thesis abductively examines recent patterns of resistance and change within the Brazilian case of gender-equitable changes in politics. Using outcome-explaining process tracing and other qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, this workinvestigates key features of the current stages of power struggles over gender equality in politics in the country. Most recent reforms signal a new resistance strategy adopted by status quo defenders against women’s political representation in the country. Findings reflect struggles over party resources marked by normative ambiguity and attempts to regain discursive control over the agenda setting of electoral reforms. Despite a certain degree of institutionalization of the agenda on gender equity in politics — evidenced by the mobilization of women crossing party lines and media coverage —, the recent patterns of resistance suggest a potential retreat in the quota system and a complexification of struggles within party structures.