Democratic political orientations in emerging African democracies: Do religion and gender matter

Are Islam and Christianity driving forces in democratic orientations among Africans? Do Islam and Christianity affect democratic positions of African men and women differently? In order to add to the growing conversation on the compatibility (or not) of religion with stable democracy (Oiled 2000), this study asks if adherence to Christianity and Islam, within the context of other factors, helps to explain African democratic values, attitudes and behaviors. These political orientations are essential foundations for stable democracy. In developing nations, it is unclear how religious affiliations act upon male versus female democratic political orientations. I use state of the art public opinion data to advance the inclusion of religion and gender in the study of democratization in Africa. I take into account other factors, such as poverty levels, education, and political interest, which have been shown to drive political values, attitudes and behaviors. I focus on women because of their oft-noted pivotal role in the power and vibrancy of faith communities (Ellis and ter Haar 2004). Furthermore, studies of gender, development and democracy reveal that the exclusion of women can be a deathblow to long-term, sustainable democratic growth (Potgieter 2004). Along with the cross-national investigation, I present a case study on Kenya, using both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Kenya is a transitioning democracy, with vibrant religious communities and a growing focus on gender equality. I therefore believe Kenya is a pivotal case in which to examine the role of gender and religion in democratization. Thus, this study asks the following questions: Does gender affect one's political values, attitudes and behaviors? Is religion a factor in democratic orientations? What factors help to explain variations within and across religious groups among male and female popular orientations to democracy?...