Gender and Perceptions of Candidate Competency

Following an innovative study showing rapid inferences about the competence of candidates based on photos correlated with electoral success, we examine the effects of the sex of the subjects and candidates on these results. Our results indicate that the relationship between inferences of competence and electoral success are more complex than previously believed. We found a gender gap in evaluations of competence and maturity of candidate faces and in support for women candidates; however, an overall preference among all subjects for men candidates. Additionally, the relationship between competence and victory is affected by a host of variables unconsidered previously.