Gender quotas for women in elections, an innovation in Brazilian democracy, have been discussed in general and in its efficacy. However, this kind of measure deserves a deeper analysis in the light of political theory, since it involves a significant rupture with liberal tenets. First, groups (in this case women), as well as individuals, are recognized as subjects of rights. Moreover, the refraction of social inequalities breaks through the formal isolation of the political sphere considered by liberal thinkers as the domain of "free and equal" citizens. Finally, the adoption of policies based on quotas acknowledges that the existing accountability mechanisms for representatives are insufficient. This motivates the demand for direct presence of social groups in the loci of power. The article discusses these issues and attempts to show the political strength of quotas as well as the new dilemmas they entail.
Democracy; Liberalism; Feminism; Gender; Quotas; Inequality