Gender Equality and Economic Inequality as Cultural Foundations of Political Support: Evidence from the World Values Survey (Wave 7)

Abstract

This study examines the combined effects of economic inequality and gender equality on political support, using data from the World Values Survey, Wave 7. The conceptualization of gender equality as a cultural foundation that shapes individuals' views of economic inequality is itself a move beyond purely materialist frameworks. Using mixed-effects multilevel regression models, the findings show that perceptions of economic inequality are strongly positively associated with political support, and this relationship depends on gender-egalitarian attitudes. Specifically, high levels of economic inequality are likely to promote inclusive and redistributive policies, thereby advancing gender equality. The stability of these results is supported by robustness tests that examine a variety of model specifications and countries. These results highlight the need to incorporate gender norms into studies of inequality and political behavior, and imply that redistributive reform policies designed to promote gender equality can increase the political legitimacy of such reforms and strengthen support for democracy.

Keywords: Socioeconomic factors, Political Supports, World Value Survey, Mixed-effects multilevel regression