ABSTRACT
This chapter examines different cultural, sociological and contextual issues affecting women, such as their social roles and prospects for entering the political world. Despite the fact that women have been active participants in the public sphere since the pre-state era, their power has been consistently constrained. This is true across the political, social, economic, and culture spheres. The chapter focuses on the representation of women in formal politics, since representation brings with it significant implications, extending beyond the boundaries of the political arena. The representation of women in the political institutions can serve as a mirror, reflecting and illuminating women's status in other realms of society. The analysis of women's participation and representation in formal politics opens a window for the discussion of issues that are relevant for women and their status in Israeli society in general, and not just in politics.
