Gendered Divides

Exploring How Politicians’ Gender Intersects with Vertical Affective Polarisation

Abstract

This article investigates the prevalence of vertical affective polarisation in the multi-party and consociational context of Flanders (Belgium) and explores how politicians’ gender intersects with vertical affective polarisation. More specifically, we test whether gender dissimilarity (voter and politician being of opposite gender) and/or gender-based stereotyping (female and male politicians taking positions on issues they are stereotypically not associated with) temper or reinforce vertical affective polarisation. Our results, based on an online survey experiment conducted among a representative sample of the general population in Flanders (Belgium), show that respondents’ level of disagreement with politicians’ policy positions significantly influences their evaluation of politicians’ general likability and psychological traits. Contrary to our expectations, however, the relationship between ideological disagreement and vertical affective polarisation is not moderated by politicians’ gender. By delving into the relationship between vertical affective polarisation, disagreement and gender, this study provides valuable insights into the interplay between identity, disagreement and affective divide.