Shift in Young Women's Political Alignment Towards the Far Right
Recent research by Javier Carbonell, a specialist in inequality, the far right, and youth at the European Policy Centre, reveals that young women are gravitating towards far-right political parties, albeit at a slower pace than their male counterparts. Carbonell emphasizes that this trend is contributing to the weakening of the gender divide in the electoral appeal of far-right parties in Europe. Notably, a “significant minority” of women is now embracing traditional gender norms while distancing themselves from feminist ideologies.
Factors Driving This Shift
To support his findings, Carbonell analyzed data from multiple sources, including the CIS, Eurostat, and the European Election Study (EES). He identifies three main reasons for this trend: a social-conservative turn among all age groups, widespread dissatisfaction with the labor market, and the far right's effective politicization of this discontent.
Examining the recent German elections, Carbonell notes that while 26% of men under 25 voted for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, only 35% of young women supported left-leaning options. Notably, the percentage of young women voting for the AfD surged from 5% in 2021 to 14% by 2025, highlighting a significant shift in alignment.
Voting Patterns and Anti-Establishment Sentiment
In Spain, the trend is reflected in a shift among young voters after eight years of progressive governance, with Gen Z women increasingly leaning to the right. A recent poll by 40dB indicates that 25.8% of Generation Z women plan to vote for the ultranationalist Vox party, a notable increase from just 15.1% a year earlier. Conversely, only 2.1% expressed intent to support the anti-system party led by Alvise Pérez, remaining stable over the same period. In the UK, the Green Party has emerged as a popular choice among young voters, attributed to the long-standing conservative government.
Socioeconomic Context of the Shift
Despite women outperforming men in university graduation rates, Eurostat data reveals that this demographic feels increasingly disadvantaged compared to their parents' generation. Carbonell notes a pervasive sense of a broken social contract, characterized by a precarious job market and rising costs of living. This dissatisfaction has led to a severe distrust in the political system, which many perceive as incapable of fostering meaningful changes.
The emergence of social media influencers showcasing traditional female roles has contributed to this sentiment. The so-called “tradwives” promote an image of domesticity that appeals to some women, creating a cultural draw towards political parties that espouse these values. However, Carbonell clarifies that this does not necessarily mean a mass exodus of women from the workforce.
Media Influence and the Role of the Far Right
Social media acts as a catalyst rather than a cause of this trend, as the far right has effectively mobilized societal frustrations by romanticizing a fictional past. Carbonell warns that while no one desires a return to outdated norms, nostalgia plays a significant role in shaping current political sentiments.
Attitudes Toward Feminism
The changing political landscape is also evident in attitudes toward feminism. Carbonell suggests that young people, particularly in Spain, view feminism as integral to the current political framework, yet they are becoming increasingly anti-feminist. He asserts that younger generations do not necessarily exhibit more sexist attitudes than their predecessors, but rather demonstrate a disillusionment with the feminist movement.
Far-Right Strategies and Recommendations
The far-right's political strategy includes promoting female leaders like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and AfD leader Alice Weidel to counter accusations of sexism. Additionally, they attribute issues like violence against women to migrant populations, oversimplifying complex social dynamics. Carbonell argues for a need to address the broader economic stagnation contributing to the radicalization of youth, advocating for improved job security and wealth accumulation.
He cites the successful campaign of newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as an example of effective engagement with young voters. Carbonell recommends creating socialization and activism spaces to better connect with a demobilized youth, and warns against major parties softening their feminist commitments, arguing it would be a strategic error.
