UNTWIST is divided into three methodological phases.

The first phase focuses on the dynamics of substantive representation within representative democracies. Our first endeavour in this project is to map the demand side and the supply side on issues related to sex and gender. Despite this mainly being a descriptive task, it is necessary so that we can identify whether we are dealing with a problem of substantive representation. Our aim is to locate areas of “weak” gender representation and compare them across parties, particularly between mainstream and right-wing populist parties.

Related WP: 1 to 5

Once this is established, further analytic steps will follow in phase two, focusing on voting behaviour, toexplore how substantive gender-based representation impacts party preferences and voter decisions, controlling for country- and party-level contextual variables, and including relevant individual data on men and women voters and their gender attitudes. This is achieved by developing, administering, and analysing the data from a new survey. The analysis will provide us with a deeper understanding of voter decision-making as well as all the relevant information needed to start phase three.

Related WP: 6 to 8

The third phase focuses on collaboration withwider society to co-develop policy recommendations to improve sex- and gender-based representation by mainstream parties, which might diminish the appeal of extreme populism, particularly right-wing populist actors. At the same time, by reviewing the literature on how right-wing populist actors mobilize public opinion, we will develop political communication strategies to deepen the reach of the new policies.

Related WP: 9 to 10