Elizabeth Pearson, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology, and Katherine Williams, a Postdoctoral researcher, dive deep into the often-overlooked intersection of gender and radicalization. They explore how misogyny influences extremist ideologies across the political spectrum. Pearson sheds light on her research into British extremist groups, while Williams challenges the stereotype that women are disconnected from far-right movements. Their discussion reveals the complex roles women play in these ideologies, highlighting empowerment amidst oppression and the surprising dynamics within radical spheres.
Radicalisation within extremist movements is deeply entwined with masculinities, highlighting gender dynamics essential to understanding political extremism.
The evolving role of women in far-right movements reveals contradictions in their claims of empowerment amidst a backdrop of enduring misogyny.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Gender and Political Extremism
Understanding political extremism necessitates a critical examination of gender dynamics within extremist groups. Research indicates that both far-right and Islamist movements are predominantly male-dominated, which reveals an underlying societal structure that values certain masculinities. In interviews with members of groups like the English Defence League and Islamist organizations, it became evident that concepts of masculinity were central to their identity and success within these groups. This highlights how gender is not merely an add-on but a fundamental aspect shaping the ideologies of nationalism and religiosity associated with extremism.
The Evolving Role of Women in the Far-Right
The far-right has seen a notable shift in the roles women play within its movements, challenging traditional gender norms. Unlike historical models that placed women in domestic roles, recent far-right activists have embraced women’s public visibility and leadership, claiming to protect women’s rights and children. This empowerment is accompanied by noteworthy contradictions, as many women leaders espouse conservative views on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite their involvement and claims of gender equality, these women often navigate a space fraught with misogyny directed towards themselves and others, complicating their empowerment narrative.
The Appeal of the Far Right Beyond Traditional Demographics
The perception that women are less likely to support far-right movements has been challenged by emerging research. Women from various socio-economic backgrounds have displayed varying degrees of support for far-right parties, underscoring their engagement with issues like economic stability and community safety. As far-right parties have co-opted elements of feminism and gender equality rhetoric, they have broadened their appeal to women, positioning themselves as protectors against perceived threats. This represents a more complex understanding of women’s political behavior that transcends simplistic assumptions about their political inclinations.
Is misogyny implicated in radicalisation, across the political spectrum?
Laurie Taylor talks to Elizabeth Pearson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Royal Holloway, University of London about her primary research among two of Britain’s key extremist movements: the banned Islamist group al-Muhajiroun, and those networked to it; and the anti-Islam radical right, including the English Defence League, For Britain and Britain First. Also, Katherine Williams, a former post-doctoral student in Politics and International Relations at Cardiff University, explores women's engagement with the far right and queries the notion that women do not support such politics, given the contemporary resurgence and global electoral successes of the far right, in its many guises.
Producer: Jayne Egerton
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