Gender plays an important role in shaping how Americans feel about political issues. While people have different views, research has showed that men and women often have different opinions on key public policy topics. These differences have been coined the “gender gap,” which can be seen in areas such as healthcare, social welfare, gun control, and the use of military force. However, in order to understand these differences fully, we also have to consider how gender intersects with race, class, and other identities.

Expert Findings

Dr. Mary-Kate Lizotte and Kimberly Peeler-Allen have studied these important trends closely. Women are generally more supportive than men of government programs that help people, such as welfare and public healthcare. They are also more likely to support reproductive rights and gun control while showing less support for military action and harsh criminal justice measures. These patterns are connected to how people experience the world based on their gender. Dr. Lizotte explains that differences in risk perception and values help explain why women and men often disagree on certain issues. An example would be how women are more risk-averse and more likely to perceive threats, which can lead to stronger support for gun control and opposition to war. Gender socialization also plays a role. Women are often encouraged to be nurturing and community-focused from a young age, while men may be pushed toward assertiveness and independence. These influences can shape how people think about political problems of the day, along with their possible solutions. It’s important to note that gender is just one type of difference. Peeler-Allen stresses that race, ethnicity, and partisanship are important to understanding political opinions. For example, Black women often show greater support for social welfare programs than white women. This is because their lived experiences are shaped by gender, racial identity, and economic conditions. She notes that it’s important not to treat women as one group with the same views. Instead, we must ask which women, from what backgrounds?

Averages and Applying an Intersectional Lens

Looking at averages can hide important details. Republican women may disagree with Republican men on some issues, just as Democratic women may differ from Democratic men. Women can have different perspectives even within the same party or racial group. This means that while the gender gap is still useful, it needs to be studied in ways that include other identities. Organizations must apply an intersectional understanding in their work. The ERA Coalition and Higher Heights focus on the experiences of Black women and recognize that policies affect groups differently. By doing so, they hope to create more inclusive movements that reflect the full diversity of women’s experiences.

Conclusion

To truly understand public opinion and policy attitudes in the United States, we must move beyond simple categories and recognize the complex identities that people hold.

Citation: https://cawp.rutgers.edu/blog/how-gender-shapes-public-opinion-american-politics