RAINBOW MURRAY is Lecturer in Politics at Queen Mary, University of London, UK. She is the editor of Cracking the Highest Glass Ceiling? A global comparison of women's campaigns for executive office and convenes two research networks. She has published in journals such as Party Politics and Politics& Gender.

"This well-organized and insightful analysis effectively weaves together makor literatures on comparative political parties, gender and politics. In doing so, Murray's book makes a unique contribution to both literatures. Highly recommended" - CHOICE, February 2011

• Introduction French Parties and Parity in Context Candidate Selection, Supply and Demand The Electoral Competition Approach The Institutional Approach The Ideological Approach Conclusion and the 'Party Priorities Model'