Threat Narratives in Anti-gender Movements' Online Presence: A Comparative Analysis between CitizenGo and Europe for Family

Margarita Zervoulakou; Rebekka Kesberg; Liza Mügge

doi:10.22151/politikon.42025.3

Authors

Margarita Zervoulakou University of Amsterdam https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4068-0044
Rebekka Kesberg University of Amsterdam, University of Sussex
Liza Mügge University of Amsterdam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1405-7222

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22151/politikon.42025.3

Keywords:

Ultra-conservatism, Gender Equality, X/Twitter, Social Media, Europe for Family, CitizenGo, Anti-gender Movements

Abstract

This paper examines anti-gender movements’ online narratives through a comparative analysis of CitizenGo and Europe for Family on X (formerly Twitter) between 2019 and 2023. Using discourse and content analysis of 2,349 tweets, the study identifies how these actors frame gender equality as threatening to traditional values and family structures. CitizenGo primarily operates at the grassroots level, portraying LGBTQI+ communities and established political institutions as threats to children and freedom, while frequently calling followers to action through petitions. Europe for Family functions at the institutional level, focusing on surrogacy as exploitative to women and engaging directly with European Parliament political figures. Both organisations strategically undermine opponents’ credibility and employ emotional appeals, though with different mobilisation strategies. The analysis reveals connections between their discourse patterns and international events like the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2023. This research contributes to understanding how anti-gender actors operate across different political levels to challenge advancements in gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, and reproductive freedoms.

Author Biographies

Margarita Zervoulakou, University of Amsterdam

Margarita Zervoulakou holds a Research Master's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Amsterdam (UvA), where she currently works as a lecturer in European Studies. Her research interests include political participation, exclusionary narratives, and interdisciplinary methodologies. She completed a research internship with the Push*Back*Lash project, further developing her expertise in these areas.

Rebekka Kesberg, University of Amsterdam, University of Sussex

Rebekka Kesberg is a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Amsterdam and the University of Sussex. Her research focuses on polarization and justification for violence in democracies. Within the Horizon Europe funded project Push*Back*Lash she worked on anti-gender sentiments on social media.

Liza Mügge, University of Amsterdam

Liza Mügge, associate professor in political science at the University of Amsterdam. Her work and expertise include political representation and diversity. Within the Horizon Europe funded project Push*Back*Lash she leads the work package on online mobilization. She is founding editor of the European Journal of Politics and Gender.

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