Work

Gender difference in support for Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Do social institutions matter?

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Several recent papers have noted gender differences in support for democracy in Africa, but the causes of this difference remain unclear. This article investigates whether the observed gender gap is due to the related gender inequality in social institutions, which affects women's daily life and deprives them of social and economic empowerment inside and outside the home. Using Afrobarometer survey data (rounds 2 [2002–3], 3 [2004–5], and 4 [2008–9]), the study finds that the gender difference in support for democracy is no longer significant once gender discrimination is controlled for in the family code, physical integrity, or civil liberties components of the Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI). Interaction terms show that women's support for democracy is only lower in places where gender inequality in these social institutions is particularly large. This study thus provides evidence that women who live in countries with favorable institutions toward women are more supportive of democracy than women who do not.

Source: Feminist Economics

DOI: 10.1080/13545701.2015.1103379

Authors: Maty Konte, Stephan Klasen

Institutions: United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, University of Göttingen

Language: English

Topic: Gender Politics and Representation

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, United Nations University