IU survey ahead of US election: majority in Germany and the USA want more women in political positions of power

• 63.5 per cent of respondents in Germany say that the world would be better governed if more women were in positions of political power. 
• At the same time, 69.8 per cent of respondents in Germany and 76.3 per cent of respondents in the USA agree that men are more likely to be chosen than women if they have the same qualifications. 
• A diverse political leadership is seen as an advantage by the majority in both countries, in the USA it is even 87.1 per cent. 
   

Erfurt, Germany, 1 November 2024. Shortly before the US election, a recent survey on "Women and men in politics" by IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) shows clear social similarities between Germany and the USA when it comes to the desire for more diversity and female leadership in politics. 

Equal opportunities? Majority still see men at an advantage 

In both the USA and Germany, many people see advantages in having more women in positions of political power. While 69.2 per cent of respondents in the USA believe that the world would be better governed if there were more women at the top, 63.5 per cent of people in Germany share this view. At the same time, 69.8 per cent of respondents in Germany believe that men are more likely to be elected, even if there are equally or better qualified women for the position (USA: 76.3 per cent). 

USA and Germany agree: politics needs more diversity at the top 

In both the USA and Germany, large sections of the population see advantages in a diverse political leadership. 66.8 per cent in Germany welcome a more diverse leadership, and in the USA the figure is as high as 87.1 per cent. 
 

Prof. Dr Alexandra Wuttig, chancellor of IU International University of Applied Sciences and professor of innovation and entrepreneurship, says: "The results clearly show that people believe in the transformative power of female leadership. These figures emphasise the urgent need for real equality of opportunity and a willingness to break new ground in political leadership. Women can contribute to this by empowering each other, building networks and confidently aspiring to political office - because change starts with the courage to become visible and claim what is rightfully theirs."

About the study 

The study "Women and men in politics" by IU International University of Applied Sciences examines attitudes towards equality and diversity in political leadership positions as well as the perception of gender-specific role models in Germany and the USA. For the study, IU surveyed 1,200 people between the ages of 16 and 65 in Germany and the USA respectively, representative of the German and US population by age, gender* and federal state or Census Region (and Divisions). The survey was conducted from 25.09.2024 to 03.10.2024. 

The full study with detailed results and further insights will be published shortly. 

*Although gender requires more than a binary classification into female and male, the data currently available for such an analysis is limited. In general, the numbers are too small to allow a breakdown by additional variables. Therefore, gender is only considered in a binary system in this study.