The Times Australia
The Times News

.

Why gender stereotypes still affect perceptions of Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins as leaders

  • Written by The Conversation

Women leading both of New Zealand’s largest political parties is something to celebrate. Watching Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins go head to head in three televised or online pre-election debates should surely dispel any doubt about whether women are up to the demands of leadership at the highest level.

As tonight’s final debate[1] will also surely demonstrate, both women are confident, assertive and resilient under pressure, attributes widely expected of leaders. And yet gender bias continues to define aspects of their careers and performance.

While the format has offered limited in-depth policy discussion, the debates have been a far cry from the “gladiatorial masculinity[2]” displayed by Donald Trump in the recent US presidential debate with Joe Biden.

Nonetheless, subtle but still influential gendered dynamics are at play in the New Zealand election campaign. Ardern and Collins navigate these dynamics in quite distinctive ways, which may help explain why they each evoke such different emotions[3] in voters. But how do people form these opinions?

Even without formal study, everyone develops their own ideas about what good leadership involves. Researchers call these ideas “implicit leadership theories[4]”, and they shape how leaders are perceived.

While these personal theories might not be correct[5] — in the sense that someone might value leader behaviours that research shows are actually ineffective or harmful — they are nonetheless influential.

two men gesticulating Gladiatorial masculinity: Donald Trump and Joe Biden during the first presidential debate in late September. AAP

What makes an effective leader?

Research[6] on these implicit theories shows that behaviours traditionally associated with masculinity are more likely to be seen as leader-like: this means when some people think “leader” their default is also to think “male”.

This results in people expecting leaders to be “strong” in the sense of being “tough” and “commanding”, attributes associated with traditional expectations of men. Similarly, being intimidating, power-hungry, risk-taking, demanding and domineering are often qualities people link to leadership.

Read more: NZ election 2020: Jacinda Ardern promised transformation — instead, the times transformed her[7]

However, a significant body of research suggests these behaviours are not, in fact, the key qualities[8] that make for effective leaders. Rather, they tend to undermine innovation, inhibit quality decision making and fail to draw out the best from people. Instead, humility, collaboration, team building and inspiring people to work for a common good are more important. These are also qualities women often exhibit.

But because they are judged against an implicitly masculine norm[9], women continue to find it harder to attain leadership roles, and to then succeed in those roles.

Playing to others’ expectations

Given all this, it is not surprising that Judith Collins often adopts an overtly combative, masculine style[10] to appeal principally to a more traditionally-minded voter base.

There are clear echoes[11] of the former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher — the so-called Iron Lady — in Collins’s approach. She presents[12] herself as a potential prime minister who would be tough, in command, in control, brooking neither dissent nor failure.

Read more: NZ election 2020: as the ultimate political survivor, Judith Collins prepares for her ultimate test[13]

The reality of gendered leadership expectations means that to do otherwise would risk Collins not being seen as leader-like by those whose implicit leadership theories favour such traditionally masculine notions.

But this is not a guaranteed winning strategy by any means. As British leadership scholar Keith Grint argues[14], it’s generally unwise for leaders to proclaim complex problems can be solved by way of simple solutions.

two women at podiums Gendered perceptions: Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins during the second TV leaders’ debate, the day after the US presidential debate. AAP

Strong vs nice

Collins is also caught by what researchers call the “double bind[15]” that affects women leaders. If they display traditionally feminine behaviours, focussing on relationships and concern for others, they risk being seen as a good woman but not an effective leader. If they display masculine behaviours they risk being seen as a competent leader but a “not nice” woman.

The more Collins plays to traditional expectations of a combative, masculine style of leadership, therefore, the more she risks alienating people — including within her own voter base.

Ardern is equally at risk of the double bind but in the opposite way. Her emphasis on being kind and showing concern for others means she is seen by some as a nice woman but not an effective leader[16].

Read more: Contrasting styles, some substance: 5 experts on the first TV leaders' debate of NZ's election[17]

Soft skills, tough challenges

However, “sensitivity” — meaning to be caring, sympathetic, compassionate, kind, empathetic, selfless and friendly — also features[18] in implicit leadership theories.

There is evidence to suggest[19] that these so-called “soft skills” are, in fact, key to effective leadership. So, while Ardern’s style risks lacking credibility with those who cleave to more traditional, masculine views of leadership, this does not mean she is an ineffective leader.

In a political contest between two very determined, confident and resilient women, it should be remembered that some voters will inevitably be influenced by gendered preconceptions of what makes a good leader — and that this is just one more challenge such female leaders face.

References

  1. ^ final debate (www.tvnz.co.nz)
  2. ^ gladiatorial masculinity (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ evoke such different emotions (www.tvnz.co.nz)
  4. ^ implicit leadership theories (psychology.iresearchnet.com)
  5. ^ might not be correct (journals.sagepub.com)
  6. ^ Research (www.sciencedirect.com)
  7. ^ NZ election 2020: Jacinda Ardern promised transformation — instead, the times transformed her (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ key qualities (hbr.org)
  9. ^ implicitly masculine norm (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  10. ^ overtly combative, masculine style (www.stuff.co.nz)
  11. ^ clear echoes (www.theguardian.com)
  12. ^ presents (www.dailymail.co.uk)
  13. ^ NZ election 2020: as the ultimate political survivor, Judith Collins prepares for her ultimate test (theconversation.com)
  14. ^ argues (www.sciencedirect.com)
  15. ^ double bind (women.govt.nz)
  16. ^ not an effective leader (www.theguardian.com)
  17. ^ Contrasting styles, some substance: 5 experts on the first TV leaders' debate of NZ's election (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ also features (www.sciencedirect.com)
  19. ^ evidence to suggest (books.google.co.nz)

Read more https://theconversation.com/nz-election-2020-why-gender-stereotypes-still-affect-perceptions-of-jacinda-ardern-and-judith-collins-as-leaders-147837

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...