Gender mainstreaming and the state

Gwenaëlle Perrier

Chapter 5 in Research Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming, 2026, pp 47-58 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Gender mainstreaming implies an increase and a diversification of public policy actors involved in gender-related issues, but their willingness and capacity to promote gender equality remain uncertain. So, to what extent can the promotion of gender mainstreaming provoke change within the state? This chapter sheds light on a process of ‘institutional objectification’ of gender equality as well as a learning strategy of gender issues since the 2000s. Yet, this institutionalization remains fragile in many states because it relies primarily on informational tools and on soft incentives. Moreover, the link between gender equality and sectoral objectives is often not considered, the diffusion of gender knowledge is still limited, and the use of gender mainstreaming may be merely strategic. Thus, equality remains frequently a secondary goal. Lastly, reforms in the public sector (new public management, austerity) make constraints weigh heavily on street-level bureaucrats, hindering their ability to engage with gender issues.

Keywords: Institutionalization; Policy Instrument; Learning Strategy; Gender Knowledge; Implementation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035353415
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