Still Men’s Parties? Gender and the (Radical) Right in Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Research on gender and politics has long supported the idea that (radical) right parties are ‘men’s parties’. These parties have traditionally fewer women than men among their members, leaders and representatives, they are less likely to endorse gender equality policies, and they have weaker ties with women’s groups. But recent developments also challenge the traditional depiction of the ‘women-unfriendly’ (radical) right. The political presence and power of right-wing women has increased. At least some (radical) right parties integrate gender issues in discourse and policymaking. These parties sometimes voice traditional views on gender relations; at other times, they support gender equality, leading to ideologically diverse representative claims. This panel further investigates how gender shapes the discourses and practices of (radical) right parties and what the implications are for political representation and policymaking. Under what conditions do women gain access and power in traditional men’s parties? Are women and men symbolically and substantively represented? When do parties support gender equality and when do they oppose it?