Recent trends in Indian politics highlight a significant rise in female voter turnout, a trend that has seen women’s participation on election day equal that of men for the first time since Independence. Despite this promising shift, a perplexing gap remains: while women are voting in high numbers, their engagement in political activities outside of elections lags behind that of men.
Political scientist Soledad Artiz Prillaman, in her new book, The Patriarchal Political Order: The Making and Unraveling of the Gendered Participation Gap in India, sheds light on this issue. Prillaman recently appeared on the podcast Grand Tamasha, where she discussed her research and its implications for women’s political engagement.
Prillaman argues that traditional household dynamics significantly shape women’s political behavior. “In many cases, women participate in politics when it aligns with the interests of men in their households,” she explains. This perspective suggests that political decisions are often made within the context of household negotiations, mirroring economic decision-making processes. “The beliefs and preferences of everyone in my household influence my political behavior,” she noted, highlighting how power dynamics within families can restrict women’s autonomy.
While acknowledging the progress made, Prillaman cautioned against viewing policy interventions as a one-time solution. “Women’s empowerment cannot be done by Band-Aid. Patriarchy adapts and reasserts itself,” she warned. Despite increases in voter turnout, women’s labor force participation rates have stagnated, demonstrating that the structural barriers to true empowerment remain largely unaddressed.
Prillaman’s insights call for a comprehensive approach to women’s political participation—one that goes beyond immediate electoral gains to challenge and transform entrenched societal norms. As she aptly puts it, “It’s a game of ‘whack-a-mole’ until the fundamental power structures change.”
This ongoing dialogue is critical for understanding how to effectively bridge the gap in political engagement and ensure women’s voices are not just heard on election day but resonate throughout the political landscape.
