Are sexist and populist attitudes connected? Positive evidence from the least-likely-case of Spain

Evidence suggests that populist parties, especially but not exclusively of the radical right, are more supported by men and can be a threat to gender equality. However, systematic analyses are missing regarding the connection between individuals’ attitudes towards gender equality and populism. We examine this link using original panel data gathered online in Spain in two waves, and find a general positive association between hostile sexism and populist attitudes. Our results contribute to unraveling one potential connection between the politicisation of gender equality and the spread of populism in Spain, a phenomenon that is also found in other countries of Southern Europe.