This book explores the reproduction of gender ‘beneath the spectacle’ – that is, beneath ceremonial displays of power, in the UK House of Commons. Contributing to a fascinating literature on gender and parliaments, the book conceives of the House of Commons as a workplace, as well as a representative arena. It explores the everyday consequences for gendered power relations that this unique environment entails, as parliamentary actors perform their careers, citizenship, and public service.

This open access book is a hands-on guide on doing qualitative research in parliaments, exploring achievements and drawbacks for all. From early-career scholars looking for an ‘in’ to start their research to senior academics interested in methodological details, the book offers a novel approach to discussing qualitative methodologies. It presents unique insights based on a large-scale qualitative study in the European Parliament using interview and ethnographic data. Comprehensive yet acce...