Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Gender quotas are policies or laws that require a certain percentage of positions or seats to be filled by individuals of a specific gender.
Related terms
Affirmative action: Policies designed to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women, in areas such as education and employment.
Glass ceiling: An invisible barrier that prevents women from advancing into higher positions of power and leadership.
Representation gap: The disparity between the proportion of certain groups (such as women) in society and their representation in political offices or decision-making bodies.