Femicide in Austria: A Qualitative Analysis of Social Media Narratives

Femicide has become an increasing problem in Austria since 2014, but little is known about public narratives of the issue on social media platforms. Online discourse on the issue of femicide has become more prevalent alongside an increase in populist, islamophobic and anti-immigrant rhetoric in Austrian politics. This article aims to explore the social media narratives surrounding femicide in Austria by employing a feminist theoretical framework and focusing on three different concepts: misogyny, islamophobia, and policy. This was done by analysing a total of 4482 comments under Austrian news posts related to femicide on Facebook and Instagram, using qualitative methods. I argue that femicide is consistently ‘Othered’ on social media, where violence against women is culturalized and framed as an immigration problem. Additionally, notions of male defensiveness illustrate the prevalence of misogyny and gendered misinformation in online discussions surrounding violence against women, where male victimhood in particular was identified as a tool of networked misogyny. The findings of this research show how populist and islamophobic rhetoric found in Austrian politics has extended to public discourse on digital platforms, where it is seen to intersect with misogyny and masculinist cultures. By drawing on postcolonial feminist theory and intersectionality, I argue that the intersection between islamophobia and misogyny in online constructions of femicide, is a reflection of neocolonial, neoliberal, and patriarchal structures. In relation to policy, this research shows a shift towards a more carceral feminism, where increased punishments are expressed as a way of preventing femicide. The idea of more punitive measures is found to intersect with islamophobic claims. The findings shed light on online public narratives regarding femicide and in doing so, can promote awareness of the issue of femicide in Austria. Additionally, this study can increase recognition regarding gendered misinformation and the problematic nature of misogynistic and islamophobic discourse on digital platforms internationally.