Claire M. Gothreau , Aarhus University, Denmark

The paper first authored by Claire was highly commended by the Award Committee. The research, which examined the underrepresentation of women in politics, represents one of the most comprehensive examinations of the phenomenon to date, drawing on samples from twenty countries across five continents, using a conjoint candidate choice experimental design. All main hypotheses and analyses were pre-registered. Findings showed that voters generally preferred women candidates. This pro-female bias held in 14 countries, with only one country evidencing a pro-male bias. Macro-level factors that predicted a preference for women candidates were country-level representation of women in parliament, gender equality, and levels of democracy, whereas individual-level factors that predicted this preference were being female, politically left-leaving, and low endorsement of hostile sexism. The scope, timeliness, and theoretical and methodological rigor of the research makes it a stand-out paper led by an early career researcher.