Gendered patterns of support for Maghrebian origin candidates in Belgium

Ondertitel:empirical evidence and theoretical implications

The aim of this paper is to highlight the existence of gendered patterns of support for Maghrebian origin candidates. We investigate whether and how these patterns can be explained by voters’ ethnicity 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 link demand- and supply-side factors. We find that Maghrebian origin voters are more likely to support Maghrebian origin men over women, and this, even when both gender are represented on party lists. We observe the contrary among ethnic majority voters. We further find that the proportion in which Maghrebian origin women are represented on party lists positively affects ethnic majority voters’ likelihood to support them: the higher their proportion among Maghrebian origin candidates, the more likely it is that ethnic majority voters will vote for at least one of them. Our findings support the assumption that ethnic majority and minority voters’ preferences for Maghrebian origin candidates are gendered. We discuss the implications of our research for parties’ inclusion strategies and for the representation of marginalized groups in politics.

Jaar van publicatie:2022

Trefwoorden:A1 Journal article

Toegankelijkheid:Open