Gender equality in Europe is increasingly subject to political and societal contestation. While several countries are advancing progressive and inclusive gender policies, there is also a notable rise in anti-feminist movements, anti-gender discourse and regressive political agendas across European societies and traditional gender inequalities persist or even intensify.

These struggles over gender equality are deeply intertwined with broader democratic challenges across Europe. Attacks on gender equality often coincide with authoritarian tendencies and populist rhetoric. At the same time, the mediatization and digitalization of political discourse have transformed how gender issues are framed, mobilized and contested. Radical-right actors, in particular, have been adept at leveraging social media platforms for mobilization and misinformation, turning gender equality into a hyper-politicized and polarizing issue.

This special issue invites contributions that examine the current dynamics of gender equality struggles in Europe. We welcome both empirical and theoretical analyses that address, among others, the following dimensions:

• Actor constellations: What role do (anti-)feminist social movements play in today’s gender equality struggles? How do they mobilize, on which issues, and with what impact on public discourse and (anti-)gender equality policies? What alliances, oppositions, or strategic shifts are emerging among key actors, including populist, authoritarian, or illiberal forces?
• Structures and institutions: To what extent are current developments shaped by structural continuities and institutional settings? How do legal frameworks, political systems, or welfare regimes enable or constrain gender equality? What are the implications for democratic governance and institutional resilience?
• Discourses, frames, and ideas: How is gender equality framed in political and media debates, as well as in broader societal discourses? Which ideas about gender roles, family models, and societal norms are being promoted or contested? How do these discursive struggles shape public perceptions and policies?
• Attitudes, values, and public opinion: How are public attitudes and values surrounding gender equality evolving across different European contexts? What role do polarization, generational shifts, and (social) media play in shaping these dynamics?

We invite authors to explore these topics through in-depth single case studies as well as broader comparative or transnational work, using a variety of methodological approaches. Both empirically grounded and theoretically oriented contributions are highly welcome.

Timeline:

• Deadline for abstracts: 20 June 2025
• Notification of acceptance: 2 July 2025
• Submission of full papers: 30 September 2025
• Planned publication: Q3/Q4 2026 (Issue 02/2026)

Abstracts:

Please submit an abstract (max. 300 words) along with a short biographical note by 20 June 2025 to: stefan.wallaschek(at)uni-flensburg.de