Thomas Edsall, (New York Times, March 30, 2022,) quoted Heather L. Ondercin, a political scientist at Appalachian State University who has written extensively on gender and voting issues:
Regardless of identification as a man or a woman, more stereotypically “masculine” individuals (male and female) — aggressive, assertive, defends beliefs, dominant, forceful, leadership ability, independent, strong personality, willing to take a stand, and willing to take risks — tend to identify with the Republican Party. Individuals (men and women) who are more stereotypically “feminine” — affectionate, compassionate, eager to soothe hurt feelings, gentle, loves children, sensitive to the needs of others, sympathetic, tender, understanding, and warm — tend to identify with the Democratic Party.
Does anyone else read the description of the stereotypically “masculine” voter and see a person who is aggressive and deeply insecure about his/her assertiveness, beliefs, dominance, forcefulness, leadership ability, independence, strength of personality, willingness to take stands, and willingness to take risks? Maybe I have taken too many psychology courses.
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The first Dr. Google my search found says that “Generally, [insecurity] presents as a lack of confidence, anxiety, and uncertainty.” It seems to me that these are the opposite of being “aggressive, assertive,” etc. It’s possible the latter can be used to mask the former, but it’s possible for that not to be the case, too. That’s enough armchair psychology for me.
Dr. Google seems to lack a sense of irony.
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