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Gender stereotypes in politics: Insights from social media data

Author

Listed:
  • Peron, Fernanda
  • Pereda, Paula Carvalho
  • Bailez, Felipe

Abstract

Analyzing 400,000 WhatsApp messages on politicians, we find that gender stereotypes pose a barrier to women’s political participation in Brazil. Female politicians receive more personal commentaries, and bots spread misogynistic, aggressive narratives, amplifying gendered biases and hostility in social media.

Suggested Citation

  • Peron, Fernanda & Pereda, Paula Carvalho & Bailez, Felipe, 2025. "Gender stereotypes in politics: Insights from social media data," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:254:y:2025:i:c:s016517652500240x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112403
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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