Abstract:
In this dissertation I set out to debunk the notion that the gender gap in political ideology is homogeneous across subpopulations. This idea is implicit in most of the otherwise exhaustive gender gap literature. Building on intersectionality theory I explore the many ways people are influenced by their other identities and group memberships in expressing their gender. I focus on three core theories of the gender gap: compassionate communitarianism, Group Positions Theory, and financial precarity. Applying these theories to intersectional identities I demonstrate that the gender gap is not homogenous, and that the applicable driver or theory varies from one group to another. In particular, I argue that the intersectional class-gender gap is best explained by group positions theory, as is the religion-gender gap. However, I find compelling evidence that the generation-gender gap is better explained by precarity theory.
