Perceived Gender Discrimination, Benevolent Sexism, and Women’s Collective Political Action Intentions: The Mediating Role of Gender-Based Anger

Abstract

This study examined how perceived gender discrimination and benevolent sexism shape women’s collective political action intentions through the mediating role of gender-based anger. Drawing on the Social Identity Model of Collective Action and Ambivalent Sexism Theory, the study aimed to explain whether women’s recognition of gender inequality and exposure to protective sexist beliefs influence their willingness to engage in collective political action. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected from 478 female students enrolled in six public universities in Lahore and Islamabad. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4 through measurement model, structural model, and mediation analysis. The findings showed that perceived gender discrimination positively predicted gender-based anger and collective political action intentions, whereas benevolent sexism negatively predicted both. Gender-based anger also positively predicted collective political action intentions and partially mediated both relationships. The findings highlight the need to challenge subtle sexist ideologies and strengthen women’s emotional and political mobilization against gender inequality