Social Support, Gender and the Roots of Political Efficacy: Evidence from the Swiss Household Panel

Abstract

This study explores how social support, defined as the number and quality of close relationships, affects feelings of political influence. Using Swiss Household Panel data (1999–2018), it reveals that the quality of relationships (emotional support) enjoyed from weak ties drives women’s political efficacy, while having no significant effect for men. In addition to extending on the socially oriented drivers of political engagement, social support has the potential to reduce female disadvantage in political efficacy and eventually alleviate gen der inequality in politics.

Keywords

• political efficacy
• gender
• social support
• panel data
• switzerland