Explicit Gender Stereotyping in Canadian Politics

Abstract In this research note, we document the extent to which negative beliefs about women's capacity hold public office are widespread in Canada. Using a list experiment, our results demonstrate that many Canadians believe men “naturally better” leaders than women and “too emotional” nice” for politics. While some groups willing explicitly own these views when asked directly them (for example, older people, men, those who more conservative religious), others unwilling do so unless social desirability is mitigated younger left-leaning). By overcoming concerns with desirability, show still face explicit, often sexist, barriers political work.