Wolbrecht and Campbell (2007) Leading by Example: Female members of Parliament as Political Role Models

Q: Does descripive representation matter? Just the presence of women in government has been linked to psychological engagement... this article aims to link it to political activity.

The Role Model Effect: role models inspire the young.
the logic...
"The expectation that political attitudes and behaviors might be most open to influence and a young age is supported by research throughout the world which suggests that political activity is habit forming..." (924).
"others suggest that the attitudes and actions of the young are more malleable and susceptible to cues than are those of citizens who have established political habits" (924)

[is this really that strong of an explanation for the gender gap??]

"Specifically, we ask whether cross national the presence of women in political office has an impact on the political activity of women" (922).

Sample:
14 year olds; fully democrat countries only (Freedom House Index measure)

Dep Vars:
(1) political discussion
(2) political activity (petition signing, boycotting, demonstrating, contacting volunteering, wearing campaign prop)
Ind Vars:
(1) presence of female political role models
(2) a number of demographic and control vars that consider family dynamics

Data:
EVS
ESS
CES