Ingroup Bias, Partisanship, and Gendered Voting

Abstract

This study uses a novel experimental approach to isolate "expressive" or "noninstrumental" payoffs to voting along identity lines, separating them from "substantive" motivations. Applying social identity theory to the case of gender in U.S. elections, the study answers the question: Do some men and women receive a purely expressive payoff from preferring same-gender candidates? A series of experiments test whether a purely expressive payoff from voting along gender lines is stronger among certain voters. Employing a self-affirmation treatment and measures of group-identity attachment, as well as a voting vignette, the evidence shows that Republican men receive a purely expressive payoff from voting for male over female candidates. That is, Republican men's preference for a male over a female candidate can be reduced by a self-affirmation treatment that has subjects focus on their individuating characteristics, thereby temporarily "detaching" them from their group attachments. Women and Democratic men are not affected by the self-affirmation treatment. This study deepens our understanding of voter gender bias in the United States, with a particular focus on the implications of ingroup bias among certain partisan voters for the supply of female candidates within party primary elections.

Consolidating Progress: The Selection of Female Ministers in Autocracies and Democracies

“…Nonetheless, the theory should still travel to coalition governments since they have to act with some unity(Fortunato 2021), and because many of the arguments, such as the groups from which the candidates are drawn from, still are valid.4 This effect should exist even in countries with high party polarization since candidates may propose a more gender-balanced cabinet to get out the women's vote among their own partisan support base. Furthermore, partisanship, ideology, and support for women's representation are not always congruent(Celis and Childs 2012), depending on nuances of individual voter utilities(West 2022).…”

“… 4 This effect should exist even in countries with high party polarization since candidates may propose a more gender-balanced cabinet to get out the women’s vote among their own partisan support base. Furthermore, partisanship, ideology, and support for women’s representation are not always congruent (Celis and Childs 2012), depending on nuances of individual voter utilities (West 2022). …”