The "Qualifications Gap" and Gender Equality in Electoral Politics.

Based on data from the second wave of the Citizen Political Ambition Panel Study - our national survey of more than 2,000 "potential candidates" in 2008 - we provide the first thorough analysis of the manner in which sex affects perceptions of self-efficacy to run for office. Our findings reveal that, despite nearly identical credentials, professional backgrounds, and political experiences, highly accomplished women from both major political parties are substantially less likely than similarly situated men to view themselves as qualified to seek or hold elective office. Importantly, women and men rely on the same factors when evaluating themselves as candidates; but women are less likely than men to perceive that they meet these criteria. Not only are women more likely than men to doubt that they have the characteristics and experiences necessary to succeed in electoral politics, but they are also more likely to be deterred by the perceived costs of running for office. These empirical findings are critical because the perceptual differences we uncover account for much of the gender gap in potential candidates' self-efficacy. More broadly, we argue that attaining gender equality in electoral politics continues to depend on overcoming deeply embedded and highly gendered perceptions. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]