The Effect of Constitutional Gender Equality Clauses

During the second-half of the twentieth century, clauses guaranteeing gender equality became a common feature of national constitutions. During that same period, de facto gender equality noticeably improved around the world. It is not clear, however, whether these trends are related.

We explore the relationship between constitutional gender equality clauses and de facto gender equality using three different research methods: (1) cross-country regressions using data on national constitutions and gender equality; (2) a natural experiment made possible by the forced inclusion of gender equality provisions in Japan’s constitution; and (3) a survey experiment conducted in Japan testing the effect of information about legal commitments to gender equality on support for reforms designed to improve women’s rights. Across all three methods, we find no evidence that constitutionalizing the right to gender equality improves de facto gender equality. We conclude by offering some suggestive evidence that constitutional clauses guaranteeing maternity leave and protecting motherhood may be associated with improved gender equality, but these findings need further investigation.