Calling for an alternative emancipation? Female discourses in the Polish radical-nationalist movement

ABSTRACT

Despite the preponderance of men within radical-nationalist circles, an increase in women's participation has recently been observed. Considering the general anti-feminist statements voiced in nationalist milieus, it is crucial to find out how women, in particular, frame their nationalist involvement and, more generally, their role in society. Based on an analysis of articles published by female nationalists, this article explores the discursive strategies used by these women in the construction of gender roles and women's position in the society. The article thus highlights the heterogenous character of women's involvement in nationalism, and distinguishes two main wings among female nationalists: (dominant) nationalist conservatives and (less present) nationalist quasi-feminists. On the one hand, female nationalists perceive women as keepers and reproducers of culture, and their activities can be understood as a kind of alternative emancipation linked to a rejection of (liberal) feminism. On the other hand, certain female nationalists attempt to negotiate between notions of conservatism and feminism, calling for new (right-wing) spaces of female political involvement.

KEYWORDS:

• Female nationalism
• alternative emancipation
• discourse
• Poland

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The program was created in 2016. A monthly benefit of 500 PLN is paid for every child under 18 years old, regardless of family income.

2 Importantly, based on the public opinion research (Gwiazda 2017), some elements of the concept of gendered nation are observable more generally in Polish society. Although a majority of Poles support gender equality (especially in terms of the labour market, the right to education, relationships, or women in politics), the perception of women's priorities is more traditional: 48% of men and 51% of women believe that marriage is more important for a woman than a career; 30% of men and 25% of women agree that more rights for women mean more problems for men, and 24% of men and 21% of women agree that women are too emotional to be leaders.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Polish-German Foundation for Science under grant ‘Right-wing populism among young Germans and Poles: Analysis of the biographical motives for supporting right-wing parties and organizations’, Agreement number 2019–13.

Notes on contributors

Justyna Kajta

Justyna Kajta is a sociologist, working as a Post-doc in the ULTRAGEN project, at SWPS University. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Analysis of the Radical Right (CARR). Her research interests include youth, social movements, political engagement, social inequalities and biographical method.