Berry Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the main argument of Berry (2021)?
Kenya’s gender quota increased the number of women in politics but also deepened inequalities among women and provoked patriarchal backlash, including violence and institutional resistance.
Why does this study matter?
It shows that numerical inclusion does not guarantee equality. Without broader cultural and structural change, quotas may reproduce or even intensify marginalisation, especially among already vulnerable women.
What is the nomination vs. election divide in Kenya?
Most women in county assemblies were nominated (appointed), not elected. This made them appear less legitimate, limited their power, and led to the “flower girl” label—implying they were decorative, not serious politicians.
How did violence manifest against women politicians in Kenya?
Women faced verbal abuse (e.g. called “prostitutes”), public humiliation, and physical violence—one nearly killed, others stripped in public. Symbolic and physical violence was used to police gender norms and deter political participation.
What institutional backlash occurred?
Despite court orders, Kenya’s parliament repeatedly refused to implement the constitutional gender rule fully—showing how elite resistance can block formal equality measures.
How does this case critique top-down gender reforms?
It suggests that quotas imposed without grassroots mobilisation or gender norm transformation risk reinforcing patriarchal hierarchies—rather than dismantling them.
What does the term “flower girls” reveal?
It reflects how nominated women are seen as symbolic and subordinate, not as serious powerholders—highlighting hierarchies within gender inclusion itself.
What’s a key theoretical implication of this study?
It challenges the assumption that representation = empowerment, emphasising that inclusion without legitimacy, resources, or safety can deepen inequality.
What’s a possible counterpoint to their argument?
Some scholars (e.g. Franceschet, Dahlerup) argue that quotas are necessary first steps. Even flawed inclusion can create symbolic and practical openings that lead to deeper change over time.
What broader issue does this article highlight?
That institutional reforms alone aren’t enough—deep-seated patriarchal norms, political cultures, and informal power structures must also be challenged for meaningful gender equality to emerge.
