Gender-Based Policies and the Role of Patriarchal Norms: Evidence from Northern India

Gender-based seat reservation policies are designed to promote gender parity in political representation by overcoming patriarchal social structures. But laws and policy are created by, and exist within, presiding social structures. These existing structures may undermine the efficacy of such policies, especially in regions where strong patriarchal norms persist. This study examines this phenomenon through a case study of the Panchayat Act in two neighboring states in northern India - Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Using primary data from structured interviews conducted over 2007-09, the article contends that the policy is more effective in empowering women leaders in regions where restrictive patriarchal norms are less entrenched. In parts where patriarchal norms are more persistent, the policy achieves comparatively limited success. Thus, gender-based policies must actively address attitudes and systems perpetuating inequality in addition to providing the necessary legal basis for representation to be substantively effective.

Automated summary

Gender-based seat reservation policies aim to promote gender equality in political representation by overcoming patriarchal social structures. However, laws and policies are created within existing social structures, which may undermine their effectiveness, especially in regions where patriarchal norms are strong. This study examines the effectiveness of such policies in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, two neighboring states in northern India, and finds that the policy is more successful in empowering women leaders in regions with less entrenched patriarchal norms. In regions where patriarchal norms are more persistent, the policy achieves limited success. Therefore, gender-based policies need to address attitudes and systems perpetuating inequality in addition to providing a legal basis for representation.