Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Public Policy and Law

First Advisor

Professor Rachel Moskowitz

Abstract

Women have never gained a significant voice in corporate America, holding only 27% of the board seats on the S&P 500. Recently, an increasing number of Americans have grown to realize the inequity of this practice, resulting in a rise in female directors. However, this growth is slow and largely in need of a policy to speed up the process. Gender quotas have garnered the most attention, but political limitations make them largely unattainable in the United States. In order to assess viable alternatives, this thesis assembles a database on corporate practices and uses statistical models to predict what policies and suggestions will best suit the United States. The models indicate that a mix of policies which indirectly and incrementally increase gender parity will work best in the context of American politics. Although these policies are arguably less efficient than quotas, they are feasible alternatives that will help women attain a greater voice in corporate America.

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College, Hartford CT for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Law.

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