Does prejudice against women in leadership positions affect voting behavior? A conjoint survey experiment in Japan reveals that female candidates face a double-bind. Voters penalize them when they either deviate from stereotypically feminine expectations OR adhere to those same expectations too closely.
Data & Methods
Conjoint survey experiment conducted with Japanese voter respondents (N = 803).
Used experimental vignettes varying in gender-stereotypical traits and leadership behaviors.
Measured voting preferences across diverse scenarios.
Key Findings
Female candidates are disadvantaged relative to male counterparts overall.
However, they also risk losing support if they diverge from gender-based behavioral expectations. ✅
This suggests voters may hold conflicting views: wanting women in political roles but ALSO adhering to traditional stereotypes about female behavior and competence.
Women face a difficult dilemma navigating these competing voter preferences 👍
Why It Matters
These findings illuminate the complex relationship between descriptive representation and gender-based expectations. 😊
The "double-bind" suggests that simply increasing women's participation in politics may not be enough to overcome persistent biases against female leadership.
