Date of Publication

3-31-2026

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International Studies major in Asian Studies

Subject Categories

Asian Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

International Studies

Thesis Advisor

Evangeline C. Tolentino

Defense Panel Chair

Evangeline Katigbak-Montoya

Defense Panel Member

Malcolm Edrich Lim
Ron Bridget T. Vilog

Abstract (English)

Gender parity is closing across the world yet in Asia, women’s political representation remains low. Drawing from Role Congruity Theory, this quantitative study explores traditional gender norms as an informal barrier of women’s political representation as the author examined Japan (n=53), South Korea (n=35) and the Philippines’ (n=104) (a) voters’ perceptions on women politicians (b) influence of traditional gender norms orientation on women as leaders and (c) influence of opportunities and challenges in aspiring women in politics. The author expected that countries with more traditional views against women views women as less fit to be leaders and vice versa. This study also emphasizes the competing gender norms faced by women as political leaders and the influence of perceptions on the opportunities and challenges women encounter despite extensive endorsement of gender equality by international conventions and global agreements. The findings contribute to the existing literature on gender and politics, providing insights for policymakers and voters to not only continuously challenge the intangible beliefs towards women politicians but also explore more how perceptions and attitudes towards women politicians improve over time. It is imperative that incorporating more women in politics is not a one-man job but rather a collective effort by its community from the smallest unit to the largest body of the society. Voters’ perceptions derived from traditional gender norms may be progressive over time with the hope that gender parity will be achieved in years’ time.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Not applicable

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Women—Political activity--Japan; Women—Political activity--South Korea; Women—Political activity--Philippines; Equality

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Embargo Period

4-21-2026

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