My work explores the role of gender in shaping political behavior.
By examining responses to external shocks and historical demographic shifts, I analyze how crises and large-scale disruptions can reshape political participation, trust, and economic empowerment along gender lines.
Selected Work in Progress:
"Gender and Ideology in Voter and Politician Preferences," with P. Profeta, R. Puglisi, S. Scabrosetti
This study analyzes the joint effect of gender and ideology on policy preferences across different levels of political participation, from the general public to political elites. Using cross-sectional data from the European Social Survey (ESS) and the Comparative Candidate Survey (CCS), we compare gender gaps among individuals, political candidates, and elected officials. We find that women consistently express more progressive policy preferences than men, but these gender gaps are narrower among candidates and even less pronounced among elected officials. While gender gaps are generally narrower among political elites, they remain sizable on certain identity-linked issues such as same-sex rights. Among elites, gender gaps are more pronounced in countries with higher levels of political gender equality, suggesting that institutional inclusiveness may enable greater ideological diversity among women. In particular, right-wing women in more inclusive contexts are more likely to hold distinct policy positions. These findings contribute to ongoing debates about political representation by showing how gendered preferences vary across political roles and institutional environments.
Non Peer-Reviewed Publications:
Policy Reports:
"Empowering Women, Building Sustainable Assets: Strengthening the depth of gender lens investing across asset classes," commissioned by UN Women, with A. Falth (UN Women), V. Vincensini (UN Women), N. Imamura (Consultant), J. Aggarwala (Consultant), C. Borneman (Phenix Capital Group), M. Gil Mendoza (Phenix Capital Group), L. Boni (TIRESIA - Politecnico di Milano), Z. Hazal Kopal (TIRESIA - Politecnico di Milano), C. Cremasco (TIRESIA - Politecnico di Milano), and P. Profeta (AXA Research Lab on Gender Equality - Bocconi University)
"Global Boyhood Initiative Research in Italy," commissioned by Promundo and Kering Foundation, with P. Profeta, V. Castano Ruiz, A. Vivoli, I. Fattacciu and F. Ciani
"COVID-19 pandemic and the gender divide at work and home," commissioned by Eurofound, with P. Profeta, L. Mencarini, and S. Nivakoski
→ Brief summary (in Italian) for InGenere
"Reporting Obligations Regarding Gender Equality and Equal Pay: State of Play among Member States and avenues for upgrading and implementing legal sanctions towards companies," commissioned by the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI), with P. Profeta and M. L. Passador
→ Interview (in Italian) for Bocconi Knowledge
"COVID-19 and its economic impact on women and women's poverty: Insights from 5 European countries," commissioned by the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), with P. Profeta and R. Occhiuzzi