Risk and the gender gap in internal political efficacy in Europe. Issue 7 (10th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fraile, Marta; de Miguel Moyer, Carolina
• Is Part Of: West European politics. Volume 45:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1462
• Page End: 1480
• Publication Date: 2022-11-10
• Subjects: Gender gap -- internal political efficacy -- gender stereotypes -- risk -- agentic model; Europe -- Politics and government -- 1945- -- Periodicals; 320.94
• DOI: 10.1080/01402382.2021.1969146
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-2382

Abstract

Abstract: This study confirms the existence of a substantial gender gap in internal political efficacy in contemporary European democracies with survey evidence from the ESS08 and 09 waves. This gap is rooted in gendered patterns of socialisation according to which men are more likely than women to be socialised in ways that emphasise psychological traits such as assertiveness, predisposition to risk, competition, or self-promotion. Findings show that those who perceive themselves as ready to take risks are more likely to feel able to play an active role in politics. Using mediation analysis, this article shows that part of the gender gap in internal political efficacy is a result of the lower inclination of women to take risks in comparison to men. These findings confirm the masculine character of the political realm. A realm that is often perceived by citizens to be more in line with gender stereotypes about men.