Glass Ceilings in the State: Gender and Discretionary Appointments in Brazil’s Federal Bureaucracy

Abstract

This study investigates the intersection of gender and political affiliation in Brazil’s federal bureaucracy, focusing on discretionary appointments to high-level positions within ministerial departments. Drawing on data from the SIAPE system (1999–2018) and employing logistic regression models, it analyses the influence of gender, race, partisan affiliation, ties to the public sector, and education on appointments to levels 5, 6, and 7. The findings reveal that gender and political affiliation are pivotal factors: women are significantly underrepresented at higher hierarchical levels, with their likelihood of appointment decreasing at levels 6 and 7. Conversely, partisan affiliation increases the probability of securing these positions, underscoring the enduring role of political patronage in Brazil’s coalition presidential system. The study highlights the dual challenges of gender bias and political opportunism in achieving equitable representation in public administration. While the presence of women in level 5 roles has increased, their progression to higher positions remains constrained by structural and cultural barriers. This research contributes to the discourse on representative bureaucracy by providing empirical evidence on the gendered dynamics of political appointments. It advocates for policies to address these disparities, including transparent selection processes and measures promoting gender equality, ultimately enriching governance and policymaking in Brazil.