Intersecting inequalities: multiple candidate quotas do not (really) empower young women with an immigrant background

This study investigates the impact of implementing multiple candidate quotas on the representation of various social groups, using Sweden as a case study. Sweden is often regarded as a leading example of descriptive representation globally. The research utilizes two key data sources: comprehensive administrative data covering the entire Swedish population over time, and original conjoint experiment data. The administrative data provides a detailed view of temporal shifts in access to candidacy and elected positions, while the conjoint experiment data offers insights into the preferences of party selectors in a context with numerous candidate quotas. The findings challenge the assumption that individuals with multiple quota-targeted characteristics (such as young women of immigrant background) are the primary beneficiaries of multiple quota systems. Contrarily, the study reveals that elite men often retain their privileged access to political candidacy. Furthermore, individuals who least deviate from the traditional candidate profile (such as middle-aged women of native background) are also likely to benefit from multiple quotas. These results are significant as they enhance our understanding of the actual effects and limitations of quota systems aimed at fostering representative institutions.