ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the factors that introduce variations in the level and intensity of political participation. In democratic political systems, a great many people recognise the legitimacy of peaceful protest, but would probably baulk at the idea that violent activity is a legitimate form of political participation where there are other opportunities for citizens to express their demands. Over time, national and cross-national research into voting behaviour has identified a ‘gender gap’ in the political dispositions of women and men. The concept refers to a whole raft of phenomena, including differing rates of voting turnout, party identification, political attitudes on a range of policy issues, and even profoundly felt political values. In terms of voter turnout, gender activists and researchers are interested in measuring the differing levels of turnout between men and women. Rational choice theory has become one of the most influential frameworks for the study of politics.
