Organized out of politics? Parliamentary scrutiny of the substantive representation of women in UK governments' legislative programmes 1945–2012

•Substantive representation of women (SRW) in parliamentary scrutiny of legislative programmes•Substantial post-1990 increase in the amount of attention to the SRW•Increase in the substance and detail of scrutiny•SRW shaped by the interplay of ‘critical actors’ and descriptive representation•Theorising ‘critical actors’ needs to be cognizant of actions of key individuals

SynopsisThe present analysis heeds recent calls for a refocusing and reconceptualising of the substantive representation of women (SRW). It examines the parliamentary scrutiny of Westminster governments' legislative programmes. The findings show that whilst the proportion of SRW legislative proposals remains small (< 1%), there has been a substantial increase in the amount of attention/visibility given to the SRW. Interventions are made by male and female parliamentarians (numerically more men; proportionately more women). Whilst the number of actors making such interventions has increased over time, the more striking finding is the increase in the substance and detail of interventions. This suggests: (a) the extent, quality and focus of SRW interventions are shaped by the interplay of ‘critical actors’ and overall presence of women parliamentarians; and (b) ‘critical actors’ need to be seen more in terms of the key role of particular individuals rather than all who act to bring about women-friendly policy change.