Political Knowledge and Gender Stereotypes

In: American politics research, Band 31, Heft 6, S. 575-594

Abstract

This study uses original data to investigate the individual-level determinants of voters' political gender stereotypes. I find that beliefs about men's emotional suitability for politics predict voter stereotypes about the ability of politicians to handle issues, whereas political knowledge predicts voter stereotypes about politicians' issue positions. Therefore, whereas some political gender stereotypes can primarily be explained by beliefs about the traits of men and women in general, other stereotypes are more related to knowledge about politics. This study suggests that whereas some political gender stereotypes may change if differences in the behavior of men and women politicians narrow, other stereotypes may be more enduring and less susceptible to change.