The Gender Gap in Political Knowledge in Poland

• Authors: Robert M. Kunovich , Sheri Kunovich
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

This paper utilizes nationally representative survey data to examine the gender gap in political knowledge in Poland. Political knowledge was assessed by asking respondents to indicate whether each of twelve national political parties was currently in the ruling coalition. We use motivation, ability, and opportunity to explain political knowledge. We predict answering ‘don’t know’ as well as answering all questions correctly. Political interest, educational attainment, previous voting behavior, having children, and age predict ‘don’t know’ responses for men and women. Having access to cable or satellite TV appears to reduce ‘don’t know’ responses, but only for men. All else being equal, men and women are equally likely to answer ‘don’t know.’ Political interest, educational attainment, previous voting behavior, age, and self-esteem predict perfect scores for women and men. Religious attendance increases perfect scores, but only for women. The gender gap in perfect scores remains significant despite controls.

Keywords

EN

political knowledge; gender gap; political engagement; political interest; Poland

• Publisher: Polskie Towarzystwo Socjologiczne
• Journal: Polish Sociological Review
• Year: 2016
• Volume: 193
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 33-48

Dates

published

2016-03-30

Contributors

author

Robert M. Kunovich

• University of Texas at Arlington

author

Sheri Kunovich

• Southern Methodist University, Dallas