Political Orientations, Sexism, Perceived Discrimination, and System Justification in the 2023 Turkish Presidential Election Context

This study investigates the relationship between political orientations and gender attitudes among the electorate in Ankara, Türkiye during the 2023 presidential elections, with a focus on the influence of sexism and perceived discrimination. Additionally, the study aimed to replicate similar research conducted in the UK and USA on this topic. This divergence is expected in Türkiye, where gender attitudes are shaped by a unique blend of conservative cultural norms, strong patriarchal structures, and the politicization of traditional values. The findings revealed that supporters of the Cumhur Alliance demonstrate higher levels of sexism and system justification, suggesting that traditional gender norms significantly shape political preferences. The study also uncovered gender disparities in perceptions of discrimination, with women reporting higher levels of both personal and group discrimination. These findings underscored the impact of sexism on women’s political and social experiences in Türkiye. The study contributes to the of understanding the intersection between political ideology, sexism, and system justification in Türkiye’s electoral context. The results highlight the importance of addressing gender attitudes in political discourse and campaigns, as sexism not only influences societal attitudes but also electoral outcomes. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of political and gender attitudes in Türkiye, with implications for fostering a more inclusive and equitable political environment.