Women’s Representation in Karnataka State Politics: Social Attitudes, Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This study examines the behavior of society towards women representatives in Karnataka state politics, focusing on their positions in political leadership and participation in the legislative process. Existing studies highlight that women’s issues are rarely prioritized, and societal attitudes often shape the extent of women’s political representation. This paper explores the dynamics of social perceptions of women’s leadership, analyzing both the challenges and opportunities faced by women in politics. It identifies notable obstacles to progress in increasing women’s representation and argues that societal support plays a crucial role in promoting women’s leadership within the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Furthermore, the study investigates the role of political parties in selecting and supporting capable women leaders. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research draws on secondary sources to conduct a quantitative analysis of election data and qualitative insights from women politicians in Karnataka. The article ultimately evaluates the impact of women’s political leadership and representation on women’s empowerment and development in the state, with a specific focus on the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.