Gender, Populism and Politics of Belonging: Discourses of Right-Wing Populist Parties in Denmark, Norway and Austria

Abstract

The meaning of gender equality, women’s rights and family values is contested within and across nation states as well as influenced by a variety of national histories, institutional and cultural contexts, including the European Union (EU). Results from the Eurosphere project1 have emphasised that right-wing populist parties in western Europe combine a strong anti-immigrant profile with a strong euro-scepticism emphasising national values, historical traditions and institutions. The representatives of these parties claim that non-Europeans and Muslims present a threat to national identity, social cohesion and to women’s rights in society. The project’s findings raise general questions about the relationship between gender equality, ethno-national diversity and national belongings in western Europe.