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Putting the European Parliament's gender exceptionalism to the test: MEPs’ specialisation in masculine and feminine policy domains in parliamentary questions

Author

Listed:
  • Jeremy Dodeigne

    (Research Institute Transitions, 54501University of Namur, Namur, Belgium)

  • Silvia Erzeel

    (VUB Centre for Democratic Futures, 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium)

  • François Randour

    (Research Institute Transitions, 54501University of Namur, Namur, Belgium)

Abstract

The European Parliament is often presented as a success story regarding women's representation. Yet, recent studies observe gendered patterns in parliamentary behaviour. This article contributes to this scholarship by studying gender differences in MEPs’ parliamentary behaviour on ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ policy domains. Analysing 136,787 parliamentary questions over 25 years (1994–2019), the study reveals moderate gender differences in MEPs’ behaviour. Moreover, gender differences are influenced by seniority and women's numerical presence in the European Parliament's political groups. Gender-stereotypical policy foci are more pronounced among newcomers and disappear for experienced MEPs. In political groups with fewer women, seniority is key for women MEPs seeking engagement in masculine policy domains. Overall, our findings underscore the interplay between gender, seniority, and women's presence in shaping MEPs’ parliamentary behaviour within the European Parliament’s gendered context.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeremy Dodeigne & Silvia Erzeel & François Randour, 2025. "Putting the European Parliament's gender exceptionalism to the test: MEPs’ specialisation in masculine and feminine policy domains in parliamentary questions," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(1), pages 115-144, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:26:y:2025:i:1:p:115-144
    DOI: 10.1177/14651165241299115
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Pierre Alayrac & Sara Connolly & Miriam Hartlapp & Hussein Kassim, 2025. "Still struggling to reach the top? Women officeholders and gendered career pathways in the European commission," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(1), pages 23-44, March.
    5. Thomas Däubler & Maarja Lühiste & Mihail Chiru, 2025. "Do public attitudes on gender equality affect candidate selection in proportional representation systems? Evidence from European Parliament elections," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(1), pages 45-65, March.

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