Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Rhea Myerscough

Second Advisor

Robin Turner

Abstract

The gender pay gap in America is large and still growing, as women in 2026 still only earn $0.82 per every dollar earned by a man. This is a politically important issue because women live in a different economic reality than men and experience different economic constraints. This study aimed to determine the impact that the impact that women's economic lives have on their political participation. I answered this question by fielding an original survey of college students to explore the relationship between economic perceptions and beliefs and political behavior. This survey measured how participants defined financial security, how this definition impacted their relationship to society and their peers, what they believed to impact their financial situation, and the frequency and type of political participation they engage in. I found that, compared with men, women have distinct definitions of financial security, are less likely to assume their financial situation will improve, and are more likely to see a role for the government in their economic lives. Further, these beliefs have political implications. Respondents who see their financial situations as impacted by the government are more likely to vote for left-leaning politicians or policies.

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