To begin with, representative means one that serves as an example or type for others of the same classification. Another definition for representative is one that serves as a delegate or agent for another. In this case it means one that serves as an example or type for others of the same classification. At the moment Parliament is not representative of the UK population; there are currently 507 male MPs while there are currently 143 female MPs. This means there are more male MP’s than female MP’s. From this information I believe women are not fairly represented in Parliament, as there are more men than women. I believe there should at least be 325 female MP’s. However some people argue we should introduce quotas.
Secondly, the definition for quota is a limited quantity of a particular product that under official controls can be produced, exported, or imported: "an import quota on oil". In this situation it means limited or fixed number or amount of people or things, in particular. A quota would mean a certain number of women must be on every election list but NOT everyone agrees this is a good idea. This essay will explore whether there should be quotas to make parliament more representative. One reason why we should have quotas is that whilst it is possible for men to speak on women’s issues, some topics of debate (e.g. on family issues) are still seen as less important than economics or foreign policy. Creating more female MP’s would encourage more debates about social policy, and therefore more people would benefit. Women in politics are equally as good as men at dealing with a range of issues. Another reason why we should introduce quotas is that in ‘representative’ democracy it is vital that every part of the population be fairly represented. Society discriminates women by still favouring