THE GENDERING OF POLITICAL-INSTITUTIONS - A COMPARISON OF AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN STATE LEGISLATORS

Objective. The authors examine the extent to which gender inequality w ithin liberal democratic legislative institutions varies according ins titutional form, strength of party system, and degree of professionali zation. Methods. This study compares a sample of Australian state parl iamentarians (n = 270) drawn from each of the six states and two terri tories with a sample taken from six U.S. state legislatures (n = 348). A standard questionnaire was sent to each respondent asking for infor mation on ideology, committee work, leadership roles, and professional ization. Results. A positive relationship between gender and ideology is found only for United States Democrats. In both countries, women ar e far more likely to serve on committees dealing with welfare, educati on, and children's issues. Regarding leadership roles, no direct gende r effect is found in the Australian case. In the United States women a re significantly less likely to hold leadership positions. Similarly, in Australia the sponsorship of legislation of issues of concern to wo men is no more likely to come from women than men, but in the United S tates these sponsorship patterns are gendered. Conclusions. The key hy potheses regarding institutional variables are confirmed. The study fu rther indicates the greater the degree of professionalization the more problematic the outcome is for women.