What do surveys ask about gender-based needs?
What is the goal of UNTWIST ?
UNTWIST assesses how different gender-based needs are located in regard to different existing policies and practices in six European countries.
And why evaluate public opinion surveys ?
Understanding and effectively representing gender-based needs requires insight into voters' needs and attitudes. But the value of these insights depends on the questions asked. WP3 investigates how well gender-based needs are captured in international and national surveys.
How we analysed public opinion data
We examined public opinion data from major European and national surveys between 2000-2023 evaluating how well these surveys capture voters’ gender-based attitudes and needs.
We analysed 914 international and national survey questionnaires
Using a code scheme based on the Typology of Gender-based Needs, we mapped which gender concepts and themes/issues are well-represented in public opinion data and identify gaps in measurement.
Exploring gender concepts
Gender concepts represent the central lens through which gender-based needs are conceptualised in a survey question. Questions are categorised into five categories:
FEMINISM
GENDER INEQUALITY
GENDER NORMS
INTERSECTIONALITY
OTHER
Quantifying discrimination
The largest share of international survey questions quantify discrimination based on sex, gender and sexual orientation, focusing on where discrimination occurs and to what extent.
Gender and the labour market
International survey questions commonly address men’s and women’s appropriate roles in the labour market, and measures to support working parents.
Gender roles in the family
International survey questions often assess attitudes and behaviours regarding gender roles in the family, such as responsibilities in childcare.
Explore the findings in national surveys
Use the plot maker below to explore the representation of gender concepts and themes/issues
Conclusions and implications
We conclude that, using current public opinion data, it is difficult to build a robust understanding of voters’ gender-based needs and the influence on their electoral behaviour.
Gaps in measurement
Without questions addressing citizens' specific gender-related concerns, we risk remaining uninformed about these needs, limiting the capacity to provide effective representation.
Limitations attitudes
Insufficient sub-sample sizes, such as those of different party supporters, restrict the ability to generate reliable insights into the attitudes of specific voter groups using current public opinion data.
Limitations in question
Surveys questions frequently exclude certain family structures and gender identities, highlighting the need for more inclusive survey design.
Resources
For more detailed information and resources on the development and results from UNTWIST’s WP3, you can find here: