The Political Gender Gap: Gender Bias in Facial Inferences that Predict Voting Behavior
Author Information
Author(s): Chiao Joan Y., Bowman Nicholas E., Gill Harleen
Primary Institution: Northwestern University
Hypothesis
Gender of both voter and candidate affects the kinds of facial impressions that predict voting behavior.
Conclusion
The study reveals gender biases in the intuitive heuristics that voters use when deciding whom to vote for in major political elections.
Supporting Evidence
- Male candidates that appear more approachable and female candidates who appear more attractive are more likely to win votes.
- Competence was a significant predictor of simulated voting behavior.
- Voters perceived male politicians as significantly more competent compared to female politicians.
Takeaway
People often judge political candidates by their looks, and this study shows that both the gender of the voter and the candidate can change who they think looks more capable.
Methodology
Participants judged political candidates based on their facial appearance and then chose whom they would vote for in a hypothetical election.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in how participants perceived candidates based on their facial features.
Limitations
The study's findings may not fully represent real-world voting behavior due to the hypothetical nature of the voting task.
Participant Demographics
73 university students (38 females, 35 males, average age 19.52 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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