Research Projects
The Paths to Power: Determining Factors in the Electoral Success of Female Candidates for Political Office in Brazil
PhD Scholar
This doctoral thesis project in Political Science focuses on investigating the factors that determine the electoral success of female candidates for political office in Brazil. Despite the existence of affirmative action, such as gender quotas, female political representation in Brazil remains the lowest in the Americas, sitting at only 18.1% in the national parliament.The research aims to evaluate, in particular, the impact of two fundamental variables: campaign financing and the digital influence achieved through new social media. The study raises two central hypotheses: first, that adequate funding is a determining factor for electoral victory; and second, that digital influence is equally a decisive factor, capable of mitigating the lack of traditional resources.Methodologically, a quantitative, comparative, and explanatory approach will be adopted, analyzing campaign data for proportional offices (federal deputies and senators) in the 2018 and 2022 electoral cycles. Using statistical models of logistic and multiple regression, the author will relate campaign funds and digital engagement (on Facebook, Instagram, and X) with the electoral results of elected and non-elected female candidates.In short, the research aims to create a predictive model to guide future female candidates and their respective political parties. The ultimate goal is to provide empirical data to support new public policies that encourage financial equity and digital protection, contributing to a more egalitarian and democratic political participation. Supervisor: Ana Espírito-Santo
Project Information
2025-10-06
2028-10-30
Project Partners