Economic Distress and the Demand for Gender Equality Policies

Abstract: This thesis explores the causal relationship between economic distress and the demand for gender equality policies using survey data from Sweden and the EU. By employing Bartik instru- ments to address endogeneity concerns, the study estimates the effect of economic distress on the demand for gender equality policies. The findings indicate that negative economic shocks have no significant effect on the demand for gender equality policies in Sweden, while in the EU, the effect is statistically insignificant and slightly positive. Additionally, the analysis suggests that individuals’ political preferences might not only be shaped during individuals’ formative years but can also evolve beyond impressionable ages. These results contribute to the existing literature by shedding light on the intricate dynamics between economic circumstances, political preferences, and gender equality policies. Further research is needed to fully understand the variation in the relationship across different political and geographical contexts.