Traditional Masculinity Ideology and Political Protests in Authoritarian Regimes: Unpacking the Role of Attitudes Toward Political Authorities

Abstract

Limited research has explored the connection between traditional masculinity ideology (TMI) and political attitudes, focusing on adherence to political ideologies and approval of specific leaders aligning with traditional masculinity. This investigation delves into the association between TMI and attitudes toward political protests in an authoritarian regime. The study was conducted in Russia, which is characterized by an authoritarian political regime and comparatively low levels of gender equality. Encompassing men residing in Russia (N 1 = 825, N 2 = 614), our findings revealed that TMI is positively associated with attitudes toward repression against political opposition but negatively associated with attitudes toward political protests. However, these associations were mediated by authoritarian submission, signifying confidence in the imperative to obey political authorities. Notably, only the general TMI factor evinced indirect effects on political attitudes. We further discuss the underlying reasons and potential limitations of the obtained results.Public Significance Statement This study examines the connection between traditional masculinity beliefs and attitudes toward the political status quo in Russia, a country characterized by an authoritarian regime and lower gender equality. It reveals a positive link between traditional masculinity and repressions against political opposition and a negative link between it and attitudes toward political protests. However, these connections were mediated by a tendency toward authoritarian submission.