Gender mainstreaming and public opinion: misuse, polarization and anti-gender equality views

Public opinion on gender equality is increasingly polarized, with risks ranging from limiting the potential of Gender Mainstreaming (GM) to the rise of anti-gender equality views (Lomazzi & Soboleva, 2024; Lombardo et al., 2021). This chapter addresses three key issues in light of these dynamics. First, it reflects on the implications of the misuse and misunderstanding of GM, which can erode its meaning and effectiveness, foster disillusionment with gender equality policies, and potentially fuel opposition to gender equality. Second, using Eurobarometer data, the chapter examines how European citizens view gender equality as a core EU value and policy priority, highlighting differences by country, gender, and generation, with a focus on the growing polarization among younger generations. Third, the chapter explores the spread of anti-gender equality views, considering both individual and collective forms of resistance, formal and informal. It pays particular attention to online phenomena like the manosphere, the Tradwife movement, and male influencers, which significantly influence public opinion, especially among young people. Finally, the chapter discusses the potential implications of these developments for gender mainstreaming and gender equality