The Politicization of Gender

This book investigates the strategic use of gender by far-right parties in Europe to mobilise voters and legitimise exclusionary nationalist agendas.

Through comparative case studies of Italy and the Netherlands, it analyses how parties deploy gendered narratives to oppose feminist and LGBTQ+ rights, justify anti-immigrant policies, and consolidate political power. Drawing on political speeches, campaign materials, manifestos, media coverage, and electoral data, the study reveals the intersections of gender with race, religion, and class in shaping political discourse. The monograph shows that gender is not a peripheral concern but a central axis in far-right strategies, influencing public opinion, social norms, and policy outcomes. By uncovering these dynamics, the book offers insights into the broader implications of far-right politics for democracy, social justice, and inclusive governance in Europe.