While studies have examined how various gendered barriers affect women running for office, less is known about perceptions of gendered barriers among women who could consider running, and how such perceptions may discourage their initial development of political ambition. This study explores these dynamics through focus group interviews with young women active in Danish youth political parties. The analysis identifies six
arenas where gendered barriers are perceived. The rich qualitative data on perceptions of gendered barriers also enables diving into how these perceptions factor into development of political ambition. Perceptions of gendered barriers are most often experienced as deterring from developing nascent political ambition, and this is particularly the case when they are experienced as something that limits women’s ability to influence politics. However, two counter dynamics also emerged. Some refuse to let the barriers stop them, and others even feel angry and motivated by the perceived inequality. These findings indicate that women’s lower nascent political ambition compared to men’s may be characterized as a response to an uneven playing field. Therefore, addressing the perceived structural inequalities will be essential for closing gender gaps in political ambition and fostering equitable participation in democratic institutions.
