Gender in Italian Political Science: the Neglected Dimension

Gender inequality in academia has long been a key issue in higher education, yet it has received limited attention within Italian political science. With few exceptions, analyses of the discipline have largely overlooked gender, while research on academic gender gaps has been mostly conducted by sociologists, with little focus on political science. This neglect contrasts with international trends, where major associations such as the American Political Science Association and the European Consortium for Political Research have actively promoted research and initiatives on gender inequalities. This special issue addresses this gap by examining women’s underrepresentation in political science, assessing the discipline’s engagement with gender, and highlighting inclusive practices developed in national and international academic communities. Its aim is to foster overdue reflection and reconnect Italian political science with the broader international debate on gender in academia.