Gendering the Inner Life of the European Parliament: Political Groups, Practices and Equality Norms

Abstract

The power of the European Parliament in EU policy-making has increased considerably since the Lisbon Treaty thereby also affecting the role of political groups in the EP. Moreover, internal changes in the rules of the parliament and the nature of the parliament from a “debating parliament” towards a “working parliament” have increased the roles of the political groups as opposed to individual MEPs and committees. Despite these changes there is surprisingly little qualitative research into the workings of the political groups and the norms and practices which govern this work. The ways in which gender and other differences, such as race and ethnicity, age, class, sexuality, shape these norms and practices is an even more understudied field – an acute shortcoming addressed by the papers presented in this panel. This panel explores a range of group practices that continue to place gender in struggle in the European Parliament, and asks more specifically: (1) what ‘work’ does gender do in the ways that political groups in the parliament come into existence and what happens to gender equality norms; (2) what ways do political groups operate vis-à-vis the European Parliament itself, Euro-parties and inter-institutional relations; (3) how is gendered political leadership performed in the parliament; and (4) what impact do binding guarantees for gender equality (quotas) have on the daily life of the European Parliament? Together the papers in the panel present persisting gendered inequalities in the EP and its political groups. Rather than being obstacles to overcome, we argue that the political groups are key actors for achieving a more gender equal representative institution.

Title	Details
Political Group Formation in the European Parliament: Same, Same or Caring for Equality and Diversity in Party Processes?	View Paper Details
Everyday Activities of the European Parliament’s Political Groupings: Gendered Dynamics and Practices	View Paper Details
Same but Different? The Political Careers of Female Members of the European Parliament	View Paper Details