Gendered patterns of support for Maghrebian origin candidates in Belgium: empirical evidence and theoretical implications

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to highlight the existence of gendered patterns of support for Maghrebian origin candidates among ethnic groups and to investigate whether these patterns can be explained by voters' ethnic background and parties' supply of Maghrebian origin male and/or female candidates. We use data collected through an exit poll survey during the 2018 local elections in Belgium. The survey includes a mock ballot and a questionnaire, which allows us to make the link between demand-and supply-side factors. We find greater levels of support for Maghrebian origin male candidates than for their female counterparts among Maghrebian origin voters, while the contrary is observed among ethnic majority voters.These results are striking when they are put in perspective with supply-side considerations.When voters can choose among Maghrebian origin male and female candidates on the list, Maghrebian origin voters still prefer Maghrebian origin men, while the opposite holds for ethnic majority voters. Our findings support the assumption that voters' preferences for Maghrebian origin candidates are gendered, which can affect parties' inclusion strategies. We conclude by discussing the critical theoretical implications of our research for the representation of marginalized groups in politics.