Partisan Bias on Sexual Misconduct Lessens When Supporters Reflect Thanks to #MeToo

This research explores partisan evaluations of sexual misconduct allegations within politics and how the #MeToo movement influences them.

Data & Methods

• We use a two-wave survey experiment design.
• Our findings show partisans are more critical of out-party members regarding such allegations.
• Individuals less likely to engage in reflective thinking demonstrate heightened bias.

Key Findings

• Stronger support for #MeToo leads individuals, including those predisposed against reflection, toward fairer evaluations.
• The movement appears effective at mitigating partisan motivated reasoning when assessing political misconduct cases.