A Theoretical Framework

Modernisation or Backward Step? Women Councillors and New Decision-Making Structures in Local Government

“…The introduction of gender into the analysis of leadership, whether in central or local government, has arguably reinforced awareness of the importance of structural factors, including the proportions of men and women, their opportunities for progression, and the role of informal networks in shaping ambitions, opportunities and power and which may mitigate against women's upward mobility (e.g., Drew et al, 2000). Many gender analyses have focused attention on the ways in which gender imbalances in power impact upon women's role in public life, which has important implications for involvement in elected local government (e.g., Connell, 1987;Walby, 1997).…”