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Resources, Masculinities, and Gender Differences Among Pro-life Activists

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Abstract

Abortion politics are often about “pro-choice” and “pro-life” countermovements trying to gain power by winning the support of political bystanders. While more is known about the reasons people become pro-choice activists, far less research has examined the motives for pro-life men and women. To address the factors that mobilize abortion activism, this study examined the role of education, religious contexts, and gendered expectations in predicting pro-life activism. After surveying 820 college students, our data highlights the importance of activist networks in inspiring activism among pro-life advocates. In gender subsamples, being a biblical literalist, being married, and endorsing patriarchal family structures were linked to more pro-life activism among women, while embracing authoritarian outlooks, having less education, being poorer, and attending religious services did so for men. Implications for gender differences in pro-life activism and the complex ways in which pro-life attitudes intersect with traditional gender roles were explored.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Social and Cultural Analysis, Arizona State University, 4701 West Thunderbird, Glendale, AZ, 85306, USA

    Eric Swank

  2. Women and Gender Studies Program, Arizona State University, 4701 West Thunderbird, Glendale, AZ, 85306, USA

    Breanne Fahs

Authors
  1. Eric Swank
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  2. Breanne Fahs
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Correspondence to Eric Swank.

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Swank, E., Fahs, B. Resources, Masculinities, and Gender Differences Among Pro-life Activists. Sexuality & Culture 20, 277–294 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-015-9320-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-015-9320-3

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