Gwenaëlle Bauvois
Abstract
This presentation explores the paradoxical phenomenon of far-right feminism—the strategic appropriation of feminist and social justice rhetoric by far-right movements. Traditionally viewed as antithetical to progressive causes, far-right actors are increasingly deploying the language of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality to legitimize exclusionary, nationalist, and anti-immigration agendas.
Drawing on the concept of femonationalism (Farris, 2017), this talk examines how these groups reframe feminism not as a vehicle for liberation but as a tool against multiculturalism, particularly targeting Muslim communities and transgender rights. Through different case studies from Europe, the presentation illustrates how far-right feminists leverage social media, countermedia, and political alliances to influence public discourse and youth engagement.
It also investigates the tensions between these actors and mainstream intersectional feminists, highlighting the challenges posed to feminist solidarity and inclusivity. Finally, the talk considers possible counter-strategies to reclaim feminist narratives and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding social justice frameworks from ideological co-optation in an era of rising populism and cultural polarization.
Short bio
Gwenaëlle Bauvois holds a doctorate in sociology and works as a researcher at the University of Helsinki.
Her research interests include the far right, conspiracy theories, social media, and anti-immigration and anti-gender movements. As part of the Horizon Arenas project (Analysis and Responses to Extremist Narratives), she is working on the circulation of extremist narratives, particularly in Finland and France.
Her work has been published internationally, notably in Emotions and Society, Sociological Inquiry, and Discourse, Context & Media. She also teaches master’s courses on populist mobilisation, the media and polarisation at the University of Helsinki.