Is There Gender Bias in Voter Reactions to Political Blunders? An Experimental Study

This study examines whether female politicians face greater voter penalties than male politicians following a political blunder. Using a 2x2x2 experimental design embedded within the Austrian National Election Study (AUTNES) during the 2024 European Parliament election, we manipulated candidate gender, party affiliation, and response style (humble vs. dismissive) to assess their impact on candidate trait perceptions. A sample of 3,000 voters rated hypothetical candidates on traits such as likeability, competence, and honesty after reading a vignette about a candidate’s mistake. The results will reveal whether voter perceptions systematically vary based on candidate gender, response style, and party affiliation. This research offers valuable insights into potential gender biases in political contexts and contributes to ongoing discussions about how women can effectively navigate the political arena.