Gender equality and European Union enlargement: What explains government compliance with EU requirements?

Olga A Avdeyeva, Purdue University

Abstract

This dissertation explores government compliance with international pressures as a complex two-stage process that consists of formal response, policy adoption, and change in domestic practice, policy implementation. The research demonstrates that government compliance is characterized by a persisting decoupling between policy adoption and policy implementation. The dissertation develops the models for explaining the variation in speed and scope of government adoption and implementation of policies on gender equality in the workplace promoted by the EU in ten Enlargement countries. I argue that government compliance with international requirements is determined by the domestic political system and depends on the configuration of political actors mobilized in support of and in opposition to new policies. Legislative reform is facilitated by strong women's movements, established state offices on gender equality, and mobilized female parliamentarians. Policy implementation depends on mobilization capacities of women's movements and their ability to form coalitions with political actors within government elites, most importantly governing parties. I argue that the effect of women's movements' actors on the implementation of policies on gender equality in the workplace is moderated by the ideology of political parties in power.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Weldon, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Womens studies|International law|International relations|Welfare

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