Public Opinion of Women’s Rights and Democratic Values

Volume 34|Issue 34| Sep 2018 |Arab Opinion Index

Abstract

How do opinions of gender equality affect perceptions of democracy? Much has been written linking procedural democracy with underlying democratic values; in essence, the argument is that without a general support for democratic values, systems of democratic governance may erode and decline. Democratic values/attitudes are often defined as support for inclusive political and civil freedoms, as well as the institutional safeguards which guarantee them. Opinions towards women's rights can be considered part and parcel of democratic values. Thus, in this paper, we ask whether opinions of gender equality can help predict democratic, or anti-democratic, sentiment. Essentially, we seek to address the question: can one profess a belief in democracy while simultaneously holding misogynistic views and excluding women? 

Download Article Download Issue Cite this Article Subscribe for a year Cite this Article

Researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. she received her PhD in Government from The University of Texas at Austin. She specializes in Comparative Politics and International Relations. Her dissertation explores how international patrons increase authoritarian conditions in the Palestinian territories. Dana writes regularly for publications such as Al-Araby al-Jadeed, The Washington Post's Monkey Cage blog, and Foreign Affairs. 



× Citation/Reference
Arab Center
Harvard
APA
Chicago