Conservative male politicians are significantly more likely to support LGBTQ+ rights if they have a daughter.
Evidence from Japan shows that having a daughter shifts male legislators toward more progressive stances on gender and social issues. This 'daughter effect' demonstrates how personal family structures can override traditional political culture.
The Daughter Effect in Politics: Evidence from Japanese National Legislators
SSRN · 6455618
We examine how politicians' family structure shapes policy preferences, focusing on the influence of daughters on attitudes toward gender-and family-related policies. Using original data on the number and gender of children of candidates elected to Japan's House of Representatives in 2021, combined with candidate survey responses collected during the election campaign, we analyze whether exposure to daughters affects positions on optional separate surnames for married couples, same-sex marriage,