Advantages and Disadvantages of Quota's in Politics

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Quota's in Politics

Advantages

  • Most effective way of achieving a better gender balance
  • Once elected, they serve as role models for other women
  • Rather than limiting choice they give the chance to elect both men and women
  • Does not discriminate but instead compensates
  • Aims to ensure that women constitute as a "critical minority" of atleast 30 or 40%
  • Quotas could be applied as a temporary measure until the barrier for women in politics are removed
  • Women have the right to equal representation
  • Women's experiences are paramount in political life
  • Women can be just as qualified as men, if not more
  • Political parties control the nominations so it does not take any freedom from voters
  • Any conflict towards it is likely to be tempory

Disadvantages

  • Discriminatory towards men
  • May result in less competent legislature
  • Women elected though quotas would be less respected
  • Takes the freedom of choice away from voters
  • Could benefit the wrong women
  • Goes against equal opportunities and puts women at an advantage which could be argued that they haven't earn
  • Better skilled men may be pushed aside

Evaluation

Not only can the case for positive discrimination be applied to women but also to ethnic minorities whom are also underrepresented in this country. Politics in the UK is deeply rooted with a middle class males and quotas are an effective way at removing these obstacles and allowing our diverse, multicultural society to be represented in all areas. Also, quota's do not aim to overturn the current structures but constitute that these underrepresented groups account for a critical minority at the least.

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