Bernie Bros? Differences and Similarities in the Gender Politics of Sanders Voters

• In Event: 4322 - Section on Political Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 01. 2016 Elections and Referendums

Abstract

This paper is intended to provide an empirical and sociological study into the popular Bernie Bro phenomenon. In attempting to accomplish this objective, this study has two aims: (1) to investigate and sketch out the popular definitions of the Bernie Bro to better form a coherent concept, and (2) demonstrate how well Sanders voters embody this pejorative. Using data from the 2016 ANES Time Series Study, this paper uses both crosstabulation analysis and binary logistic regression to investigate possible differences in voting patterns, demographics, media use, and gender politics primarily between Sanders and Clinton voters and Sanders and Trump voters. Findings reveal that Sanders voters are more likely to consider themselves a feminist and feel more favorable towards feminism in comparison to those who voted for Clinton, other Democrats, Trump voters, and Republican voters, as well as favoring Black Lives Matter and a minimum wage increase. Clinton voters are more likely to have a graduate degree, whereas Sanders voters are more likely to consider themselves a feminist and believe the term “anti-feminist” does not describe them. Between Sanders and Clinton voters, there is no statistically significant difference in income, supporting equal pay for men and women, the importance of feminism, believing the minimum wage should be raised, and favoring Black Lives Matter. Among Sanders and Trump voters, there are significant differences in considering oneself a feminist as well as favoring feminists, among others. Research implications, as well as future directions, are discussed.

Authors

• Timothy Haverda, University of Texas-San Antonio

• Laurie Jean Gleason