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Women’s Preferences for Social Spending: Theory and Evidence from Spanish Political Representatives

Author

Listed:
  • Ascensión Andina-Díaz

    (Universidad de Málaga)

  • Paula Penalva

    (IES Ben Gabirol)

  • M. Socorro Puy

    (Universidad de Málaga)

Abstract

We analyze whether political representatives have gendered preferences for social policies. We explore interview responses of one third of the Spanish legislators during the IX Spanish Legislature (20082011). The data reveal that gender differences arise in the national chambers and within the right-wing party, where female representatives report a stronger preference for social spending on pensions and education. There are no significant gender differences within left-wing representatives or among regional representatives. From a theoretical perspective, we study how differences in gender preferences may affect both the gender identity of the parties’ candidates and the parties’ policy platforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Ascensión Andina-Díaz & Paula Penalva & M. Socorro Puy, 2020. "Women’s Preferences for Social Spending: Theory and Evidence from Spanish Political Representatives," Hacienda Pública Española / Review of Public Economics, IEF, vol. 235(4), pages 119-151, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:hpe:journl:y:2020:v:235:i:4:p:119-151
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender differences; preferences for social spending; representatives elite survey; Spanish legislators; Downsian electoral competition.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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