Gender Bias in Leadership: Exploring Parliamentary Attitudes Toward Male and Female Prime Ministers in the UK Parliament
2025 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This thesis explores the existence and expression of gender bias in the UK Parliament, focusing on the communicative behaviour from the Members of Parliament (MP) towards the Prime Minister (PM) during Prime Minister Questions (PMQ). The analysis compared the attitude towards female vs. male PMs to identify patterns of gender bias showing in interaction and investigate the influence of gender in leadership on parliamentary discourse. Public and media opinions of female political leaders have been the subject of extensive research, but inside the parliamentary discourse and the means in which gender stereotypes affect MPs communication practices towards male and female PMs has received less attention. Using a mixed-method approach based on the theoretical framework of Role Congruity Theory and Double Bind Theory, this study examines both qualitative and quantitative elements of parliamentary interactions, including communication styles, interruptions, and ways of addressing. Ingrained institutional norms and social preconceptions are reflected in the findings, which show minor but noteworthy gendered variations in MPs’ interactions with PMs. This research highlights the widespread impact of gender bias and discourse by concentrating on parliamentary debates, thereby addressing the crucial gap regarding the gender dynamics inside legislative settings. In conclusion, the study emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing of institutional patterns to advance inclusive political participation on gender equality.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 64
Keywords [en]
Gender Bias, Parliamentary Discourse, Prime Minister Questions, UK Parliament, Role Congruity Theory, Double Bind Theory
National Category
Political Science (Excluding Peace and Conflict Studies)
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-23762Local ID: EIS502OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hv-23762DiVA, id: diva2:1985294
Subject / course
Political science
Educational program
International Programme in Politics and Economics
Supervisors
Examiners
2025-08-122025-07-232025-09-30Bibliographically approved