Sofia Collignon, QMUL
Kaitlin Senk, University of Exeter
Susan Banducci, University of Exeter
Extensive research indicates that the presence of more gender inclusive legislatures contributes to an improvement in public engagement, increases trust and fairness in these institutions, and reduces polarisation amongst voters. Increased representation of women in elected office has been linked to combating corruption and prioritising the allocation of resources towards enhancing the quality and consistency of public service delivery. Yet, the UK is far from reaching gender parity in Parliament. What do voters think about this?
As Centenary Action launch their #GenderEqualParliament pledge TWICEASGOOD joined them in asking the British public their thoughts about the importance of having more women MPs. The results are not only insightful but shed light on the dynamics that underpin support for gender parity in political representation.
Two thirds think more women should be elected as MPs
The underrepresentation of women in Parliament, with only 35% holding seats, has not gone unnoticed by voters. There is a strong desire for greater gender balance among MPs, with 66% of those surveyed agreeing that there should be more women MPs. Among younger respondents, specifically those under 35, this support rises to 75%. A similar proportion of women (76%) express their backing for increased female representation in elected positions, although support among men is somewhat lower (56%). Only one in ten respondents (11%) hold the view that there should not be a higher number of women elected as MPs.
More women in Parliament will improve politics. But men are less sure about the reasons why….
Among those who expressed support for increasing the number of women in Parliament, three primary reasons stood out. The most commonly cited rationale was the necessity for women’s voices to be equally represented in the legislative body, with 65% of respondents backing this viewpoint. Additionally, 59% of individuals highlighted the importance of providing women with an equal seat at the decision-making table and more than half (51%) agree that we need a change from the current male dominated model of politics.
Among those that think more women should be elected as MPs, women are more likely to acknowledge the substantive benefits associated with having more women in political leadership: 15% more women than men think it is important to have a female perspective in policy decisions and 18% more women see a need for a departure from the current male-dominated model of politics. The significance of female role models is also emphasised, with 18% more women than men agreeing on its importance.
A majority of voters recognise the barriers to women becoming MPs
Underscoring the challenges women face, respondents acknowledged the existence of obstacles that discourage women from pursuing political office. A significant majority, 69%, believe that inequalities within political parties contribute to women being less likely to be chosen for winnable seats. 39% of women consider this to be a big barrier compared with 23% of men. Additionally, 63% recognise media bias as a barrier, and a similar proportion, 62%, perceive that voters often consider women candidates as less competent. Again, women are more likely than men to view these factors as hindrances: 75% of women consider the views of voters as a barrier, while only 48% of men share the same perception.
However, when asked whether gender quotas were a solution to the barriers women face, our respondents were divided. What emerges is a preference for parties to take more proactive measures to ensure the election of women, with 56% agreeing that parties should do more in this regard. However, only 47% explicitly support the implementation of mandatory quotas. The public generally supports the goal of increasing women’s representation, but favours voluntary efforts and initiatives by political parties over mandatory quotas.
The public stands against abuse, harassment, and intimidation
Research has shown that almost half of candidates who stood in the 2019 General Election experienced abuse, harassment and intimidation, representing an important barrier for women’s representation. When we asked our respondents, more than half (56%) disagreed that abusive and intimidatory speech are an inherent part of politics. Among our respondents more disagreed (49%) than agreed (25%) that enforcing rules against abuse, harassment, and intimidation interfered with politics. More respondents agreed (49%) than disagreed (16%) that political candidates who openly discuss the harassment and intimidation they have faced are strong.
While more respondents reject abusive behaviour in politics and support the enforcement of rules against harassment, there is still work to be done on fostering understanding of the impact of abuse on politics in general and specifically on women wanting to stand for office. By fostering better understanding and awareness, we can collectively strive towards achieving greater gender balance and inclusivity in political decision-making
Notes
Polling was carried out by Opinium. 2,077 UK Adults between 14th – 16th June 2023. Data are weighted to be nationally and politically representative.
This research is jointly funded by Centenary Action’s Women Count campaign and the European Union (ERC Advanced Grant, TWICEASGOOD, 101019284)
