Micro-Level Women-Friendliness: A Reevaluation

• In Event: Political Representation: Race, Gender, and Age I

Abstract

For the past 25 years, scholars have shown that macro-level political and sociodemographic indicators—collectively known as women-friendliness—strongly predict the emergence and success of female candidates. However, rising partisan polarization and demographic shifts in the U.S. raise questions about the continued validity of this measure. Using data from the American National Election Study, we disaggregate the women-friendliness index to examine how its components influence individual vote choice. Our analysis suggests that the relationship between the component parts of the women-friendliness scale may be spurious, and/or that the predictors of women candidates’ success have changed over time. These findings have important implications for research on political parties, elections, and gender in politics.

Authors

• Nicholas L Pyeatt, Penn State Altoona

• Alixandra Yanus, High Point University/Appalachian State University