From Home to the Political Arena: How Children and Conservative Beliefs Shape Women's Political Self-Efficacy

Abstract

This thesis examines the impact of having children on women's political self-efficacy, whether conservative beliefs influence women’s political self-efficacy and to what extent conservative beliefs moderate this relationship. Using data from 431 Dutch women in the European Social Survey, the study measures political self-efficacy through respondents' confidence in their political abilities. Results show that having young children (under 12) negatively affects women's political self-efficacy, even when controlling for education, income, employment, political interest, and government trust. Older children (over 12) do not significantly impact political self-efficacy. Conservative beliefs do not affect political self- efficacy or moderate the relationship between children and political self-efficacy. The findings suggest that childcare responsibilities, especially for young children, reduce women's political self-efficacy. To enhance political engagement among women, policies regarding childcare leave and establishing a mentor network are recommended.