Gendered Perceptions of Personality Traits, Policy Stereotypes, and Support for Right-Wing Populist Parties: Lessons from Turkey.

This article investigates the relationship between gender-based personality and policy stereotypes and support for right-wing populist parties, focusing on Turkey's incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Using a 2019 nationwide survey, the study finds that voters who believe men are better suited to handle traditionally male policy areas (e.g., economy, national security, crime) and possess male-typed traits (e.g., self-confidence, authoritativeness) are more likely to support the AKP, which promotes a gender-inegalitarian discourse emphasizing traditional female roles. Conversely, CHP supporters tend to endorse female policy competencies (e.g., education, healthcare, family services) and reject male-typed traits and policy stereotypes. The findings suggest that gendered perceptions of competence and traits significantly correlate with voting behavior in Turkey's polarized political context, reflecting broader dynamics between populist politics and gender stereotypes.