The Gender Gap in U.S. Presidential Elections: When? Why? Implications?

Social scientists and political commentators have frequently pointed to differences between men and women in voting and policy attitudes as evidence of an emerging "gender gap" in U.S. politics. Using survey data for 11 elections since 1952, this study develops a systematic analysis of the gender gap in presidential elections. The authors find evidence that women's changing rates of labor force participation explain the origins of the gender gap. Additional analyses show that attitudes toward social service spending mediate the interrelationship of women's labor force participation and vote choice. In the 1992 election, feminist consciousness also emerged as a significant factor shaping women's voting behavior.