A Backlash Against Gender Parity in Candidacies? Sexist Attitudes among the Mexican Electorate in the 2021 Gubernatorial and 2024 Presidential
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Abstract
In this study, we examine the relationship between the sexist attitudes of the Mexican electorate and their electoral behavior. Based on data from the 2021 and 2024 Mexican Election Study (ENEM), we found that voters with high levels of hostile sexism were less likely to participate in the gubernatorial elections of 2021 (Tlaxcala and Zacatecas), in which a majority of women candidates were on the ballot. Meanwhile, voters with high levels of benevolent sexism showed a lower probability of participating in the presidential election of 2024, in which two women candidates competed for the two main coalitions in Mexico. These results indicate that there can be a negative reaction among certain voters against the increasing political participation of women. This "backlash" is noted, on one hand, among those who express a preference for preserving male domination over women (hostile sexism) and those who prefer women to continue exercising traditional roles in society (benevolent sexism). Rather than voting for male candidates, their probability of participating in elections tends to decrease.
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References
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