Gender differences in the consistency of attitudes towards peace

SynopsisThis study aimed to reveal gender differences in willingness to participate in peace encounters with two different types of conflict groups — national and religious. Most previous studies focused on Western countries, measured public opinion, and used a negative definition of peace, usually in support of the use of power. The study employed a longitudinal research design, a positive definition of peace, and a more self-committed perspective towards peace. A national sample of Jewish Israeli students were asked, over a period of 16 months, about their willingness to participate in peace encounters with Arabs and religious or secular Jews in Israel. While no gender differences were found in regard to willingness to participate in such peace encounters, differences emerged in the consistency of attitudes towards peace. Women were more positively consistent in their attitudes towards peace than men. Implications for peace negotiations are discussed.