The clash of traditional values: opposition to female monarchs

Abstract The revision of sexist laws is complicated not only by disagreements between progressives and traditionalists but also opposing views held different types traditionalists. We design a two-wave list experiment with information treatments to examine public opinion toward reforming the Japanese monarchy’s male-only patrilineal succession rule, focusing on two strands traditionalism: conservatism sexism. show that conservatism, sexism, associated stronger opposition ascension female monarchs. Moreover, opinions gendered rules are hard dislodge, because they rooted in deep-held values. Treatments highlight capability heirs, rarity current practices peer nations, perils posed crises fail change respondent preferences. Our study reveals discordance within traditional values, how this can impede efforts reform statutory gender discrimination.