Intersections and Inconsistencies. Framing Gender in Right-wing Populist Discourses in Austria

The paper contributes to the discussion on (re)framing processes of gender equality in right-wing populist discourses. Our frame analysis of 50 texts published by four Austrian right-wing (extremist) parties and movements reveals inconsistencies with regard to the meanings attached to gender and gender equality within the discourses studied. On the other hand, these same actors argue against immigration by using gender arguments, claiming that e.g. Muslim men are bound by their “culture” to discriminate women and LGBT people. Our analysis shows that within right-wing populist discourses inconsistencies in the framing of gender and gender equality arise in relation to the shifting meanings attributed to the essential dichotomy of “us” versus “them”. While the discursive construction of antagonistic positions is essential for right-wing populism, the groups/people designated to fill these “slots” might differ according to topic.