Gender

 

                As with other comparable democracies, there is a gender gap within the states concerning voting behavior. Women are more likely to vote for the Democrats, whereas men are more inclined to vote Republican. When seeking to explain the gender gap, it is difficult to escape societal stereotypes. That said; there may still be some veracity in such stereotypes in relation to voting behavior.

                There are four reasons why women are more likely to support the Democrats than the Republicans. Firstly, the Democrats have more female representatives than the male-dominated GOP. Female voters might therefore assume that the Democrats would have a better understanding of a female perspective than the Republican Party. Secondly, the Democrats are more supportive of legislation that seeks to prevent discrimination in the workplace. One would only have to consider the Lilly Ledbetter Act of 2009. Thirdly, the Democrats are broadly pro-choice on the issue of abortion and studies have shown that the majority of women believe that they should retain the right to choose. Finally, the Democrats are more likely to instigate policies associated with the redistribution of wealth (such as raising the minimum wage and increasing the level of tax upon high-income earners). As women are relatively poorer, this may well influence their voting behavior.

                 Women who vote for the Republican Party are sometimes caricatured as ‘mama grizzlies.’ This particular section of the electorate is associated with a conservative stance on lifestyle issues and gun rights. Republican women are also more likely to be older than their Democrat counterpart, which in itself reflects the impact of age upon voting behavior. Once again, one must recognize that cross-cutting factors are always present within any study of voting behavior. It is also worth noting that both parties may seek support from so-called ‘hockey/soccer moms.’ This particular demographic is viewed as largely apolitical in terms of ideology. However, they are concerned about those issues that impact directly upon their own lives and their families. During the 2008 Republican National Convention, vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin memorably depicted herself as a “hockey mom.”

                 As mentioned previously, men are more likely to vote for Republican candidates. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, men are more likely to be favorable towards gun rights than women. Secondly, men are more interested in issues of national security. Both areas are traditionally seen as strong cards for the Republican Party. It should also be noted that the Republican Party is male-dominated, which may well be a more appealing proposition to male voters than the Democrats. Finally, men on average earn more than women and may take the view that income tax is likely to be lower under the Republicans. In the 2012 presidential election, 52% of male voters supported Romney.

               The relationship between gender and voting behavior is such that the Republicans are sometimes referred to as the ‘daddy party’ whereas the Democrats are sometimes known as the ‘mommy party.’ Having said this, nothing is immutable in terms of gender and voting behavior. Both parties could of course improve their position amongst male/female voters. For instance, the Republicans must learn from their embarrassing gaffes concerning abortion during the 2012 campaign (such as Todd Akin’s comment that “legitimate rape” rarely led to pregnancy). Similarly, the Democrats might win over male voters if they can distance themselves from a hardline feminist stance on reproductive rights and affirmative action.