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. HIGHLIGHTS In India, gender quotas aim to promote equity in political representation and offset patriarchy. Yet, longstanding patriarchal norms and cultural expectations of how women behave in the public sphere subvert policy reforms. In Indian states with greater degrees of patriarchy, women had little awareness of their legal protections. Gender quotas are more effective when combined with efforts to address the attitudes and systems perpetuating inequality.