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Political sexism and populism in Serbia: The role of individual authoritarianism

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Recent research suggests that sexist attitudes can significantly influence political preferences and electoral behavior. Studies of recent elections in countries such as the United States indicate that sexism is an increasingly important predictor of party preferences. This paper investigates the impact of political sexism on populist party preferences in Serbia. Given that the ruling party, Srpska Napredna Stranka (SNS), exhibits populist characteristics, we expect sexist attitudes to be more prevalent among its supporters. Using data from a 2021 online public opinion survey conducted by the Institute of Social Sciences in Belgrade, which implemented the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems Module 6 questionnaire, we find that authoritarian and traditionalist party preferences are associated with higher levels of sexist political attitudes. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that individual authoritarianism plays a key role in shaping both sexist attitudes and populist support.

Source: Sociologija

DOI: 10.2298/soc2504568m

Authors: Branka Matijevic, Jovana Zafirovic, Bojan Todosijevic

Institution: Institute of Social Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Populism, Right-Wing Movements

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

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

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: European University Institute