Does prejudice against women in leadership positions affect voting behavior? A conjoint survey experiment in Japan reveals that female candidates face a double-bind. Voters penalize them when they either deviate from stereotypically feminine expectations OR adhere to those same expectations too closely.

## Data & Methods

Conjoint survey experiment conducted with Japanese voter respondents (N = 803).

Used experimental vignettes varying in gender-stereotypical traits and leadership behaviors.

Measured voting preferences across diverse scenarios.

## Key Findings

Female candidates are disadvantaged relative to male counterparts overall.

However, they also risk losing support if they diverge from gender-based behavioral expectations. ✅

This suggests voters may hold conflicting views: wanting women in political roles but ALSO adhering to traditional stereotypes about female behavior and competence.

Women face a difficult dilemma navigating these competing voter preferences 👍

## Why It Matters

These findings illuminate the complex relationship between descriptive representation and gender-based expectations. 😊

The "double-bind" suggests that simply increasing women's participation in politics may not be enough to overcome persistent biases against female leadership.