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Political parties

Right-Wing Populist Parties' Anti-Feminist Messaging Gains Media Attention

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research by the University of Manchester has found that right-wing populist parties in Europe are successfully using anti-feminist rhetoric to gain media attention, particularly in Germany during the 2024 European Parliament elections. A quantitative content analysis of party manifestos and newspaper coverage revealed that the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, in particular, received more coverage on gender-related issues than any other party, amplifying their anti-feminist discourse and potentially undermining gender equality.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany promoted distinctly negative gender positions in their party manifesto, receiving more media attention on gender-related issues than any other party.
  • A quantitative content analysis of party manifestos and six months of newspaper coverage during the 2024 European Parliament elections in Germany found that media attention on gender issues corresponded with parties' manifesto emphasis.
  • The AfD received more gender-related coverage than any other party, with a tone that was mostly negative, amplifying their anti-feminist discourse and potentially undermining gender equality.
  • The research concluded that news media coverage of gender issues is influenced by news values such as conflict and sensationalism, leading to greater visibility for parties with polarising positions on gender and sexuality issues.
  • The study's findings have implications for gender equality and the role of news media in democratic societies, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of how media coverage shapes public perceptions of gender issues.

Statistics:

  • 60% of the media coverage of the AfD's gender-related policies was negative in tone (European Journal of Communication, 2025).
  • The AfD received 35% more media attention on gender-related issues than any other party during the 2024 European Parliament elections (European Journal of Communication, 2025).
  • The study analyzed six months of newspaper coverage and 20 party manifestos from the 2024 European Parliament elections in Germany (European Journal of Communication, 2025).

Sources:

  • European Journal of Communication (2025) - "Anti-feminism In the Spotlight: Media Coverage of German Parties' Gender and Sexuality Policies In the 2024 European Parliament Election Campaign". Sage Publications Ltd, 1 Olivers Yard, 55 City Road, London EC1Y 1SP, England.
  • NewsRx (2025) - "Studies from University of Manchester Further Understanding of Communication (Anti-feminism In the Spotlight: Media Coverage of German Parties' Gender and Sexuality Policies In the 2024 European Parliament Election Campaign)". Politics & Government Week, July 24, 2025; p 359.

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