Confidence is a barrier for young women in politics
Young women are less likely to engage in politics than young men because of a lack of confidence, according to a study.
A survey of almost 1000 people across the UK, aged 16 to 24, found there are gender differences in reported interest in politics, with young men claiming to be more interested than young women.
Female respondents showed greater interest levels when the question was framed around social issues, while male respondents showed greater interest levels when the question aimed for a more general notion of politics.
Around 80% of male respondents declared themselves very interested in politics compared with 51.4% of females.
However, female respondents tended to express a stronger interest in social issues, with 88.3% declaring themselves very interested, compared to 48.2% of males.
Dr Silvia Behrens, a researcher at the WiSE Centre for Economic Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University and author of the study, said: "Consistent with previous research, the data demonstrated that there are gender differences in reported interest in politics.
"Studies have suggested that the gender gap in political interest could be attributed to the framing of politics as 'masculine', as women seem to state higher levels of interest when being asked about specific political and social issues."
The survey also asked young people about their confidence in their ability to participate in politics. More male respondents declared themselves very or completely confident, 37.2%, than female respondents, 19.9%.
Dr Behrens added: "Young women are likely to refrain from participation in political activities not because of a lack of interest but because of a diminished sense of confidence.
"To address this issue, civic education should focus on building political confidence to encourage participation among all young people."
The data features in a new working paper, Disinterested or just less confident? The gendered effects of interest and internal efficacy on young people's non-electoral political participation, produced by Dr Behrens on behalf of the WiSE Centre for Economic Justice at Glasgow Caledonian.