Strategies against gender legislation: the construction of antifeminist discourse in post-truth times

Abstract

Introduction. Despite the advances in legislation regarding prevention and protection against gender violence, it is striking how anti-feminist stances have permeated among different sectors of the population, including the youth. Social networks have been a fundamental space for the circulation of certain types of information with which this anti-feminist discourse has been built. Objective. The main objective of the article is to analyze the way in which an anti-feminist discourse has been articulated and disseminated through social networks. Methodology. This is a qualitative analysis of posts made on Facebook by VOX supporters (randomly selected) during the periods from November 20th to December 6th, 2019, and from March 1st to 10th, 2020. For this purpose, the analytical categories of Roozenbeek and Van der Linden were used (imitation of a reliable source, exaltation of emotions, polarization of stances, use of conspiracy theories, and disqualification of the opponent). Results. The data show how an anti-feminist discourse and narrative have been articulated, responding to the logic of post-truth, relegating objective facts to the background, and appealing to emotions through disinformation tactics that seek polarization and disqualification of feminism. Discussion and Conclusions. Disinformation tactics have generated a discourse of feminism as a dystopia, as the enemy that must be destroyed. The effects this may have in terms of public policy could be very serious if this line of argument ends up supporting measures that go against the recognition of women's rights, reversing the progress made in legislation.