Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Due to pressures from the electorate, Christian-democratic parties have changed their positions on conservative family policies to be competitive with Social democratic parties. If true, one would expect to see that voters are more pro-feminist in general._x000d_Why have the preferences of the women electorate changed? Are men now more supportive of women emancipating policies? Has the amount of female politicians in key party positions a profound impact on he electorate and the platforms? _x000d_Women are generally not more likely to vote for women candidates than their male counterparts. The conservative leaning has been explained with contrary socialization patterns and women’s inexperience in the paid working world. _x000d_The gender gap changed during the 70s and manifested itself in women voting more center left than their male counterparts starting during the 80s. Women tend to be more interested in topics such as health, family politics and pension/ retirement politics._x000d_There is a strong institutional aspect influencing outcomes as will be discussed in this paper.