Indian Girl Wins America’s Pol Science Award

Bhumi Purohit, an Indian American researcher, has secured the prestigious 2023 William Anderson Award from the American Political Science Association (APSA). The accolade recognizes her exceptional dissertation investigating women’s political representation within the Indian context.

Purohit, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs, delves into the intricate interplay of behavioral and institutional barriers faced by women in politics.

Her study sheds light on why gender imbalances persist, even with improved electoral parity. It dissects the impact of gender biases on service delivery in women’s constituencies, unearthing a complex web of bureaucratic resistance.

The dissertation scrutinizes the actions of bureaucrats, revealing an inherent bias against female politicians. Purohit’s meticulous research showcases that elected women officials face heightened challenges, with bureaucrats undermining their efforts.

This award-winning study provides a compelling exploration of local politics and power dynamics in India, unraveling the mechanisms that shape resource allocation decisions.