Navigating Ambition: Examining Gendered Career Paths in the Women-Friendly European Parliament

The European Parliament (EP) is renowned for its support for gender equality, also among its members (MEPs). As the EP strives for greater gender equality, a nuanced examination of how gendered career trajectories and ambition shape in the supranational institution becomes imperative. This paper aims to examine whether the political career paths of women in the EP diverge from those of their male counterparts. Analyzing the career paths and time in office of all MEPs (1979-2019), the study unveils a noteworthy trend—a proclivity of women MEPs for a professionalized parliamentary career in the EP (i.e. static political ambition). This inclination is characterized by a sustained commitment to the EP, contrasting with the career trajectories of their male colleagues. The EP is a relatively women-friendly environment with the proportion of female members surpassing that found in numerous national European parliaments. Hence, a partial explanation for the observed trend lies in fundamentally differing career opportunities for men and women in and after the EP and its women friendliness compared to the national political arenas. By shedding light on the distinctive career types emerging among women in the EU, we contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping political ambitions and career trajectories, with potential implications for fostering gender inclusivity and diversity in parliamentary settings. In doing so, we seek to reflect upon the specificities of gendered career in the broader European multilevel systems.