Yeah, right. The Illusion of Emancipation: Why Neoliberal Feminism Fails in an Age of Populism and Reaction
There is a persistent belief—particularly among neoliberal policymakers, corporate leaders, and mainstream feminists—that the expansion of women’s rights within market-driven democracies is an inevitable and ongoing process. That through increased representation in politics and business, legal protections, and economic participation, gender equality will continue its upward trajectory. However, under contemporary politics—defined by rising authoritarianism, reactionary populism, and economic instability—this assumption is not only flawed but dangerously complacent.
1. The Rise of Reactionary Populism and the Gendered Backlash
Liberal feminism, which focuses on inclusion within existing institutions, finds itself increasingly vulnerable in a world where populist movements—particularly on the right—are mobilizing against precisely these values. From the United States to Europe and beyond, far-right movements have successfully framed feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality as symbols of an out-of-touch elite imposing "woke" values on the common people. This has translated into policy rollbacks on reproductive rights, attacks on trans rights, and broader cultural resistance to feminist gains.
In this context, liberal feminism's reliance on legal recognition and representation proves fragile. It fails to address the structural forces that make gender rights contingent on political winds—when those winds shift toward reaction, these gains are quickly eroded.
2. The Neoliberal Co-optation of Feminism
Even in liberal democracies where feminism is celebrated, it has been largely subsumed by a neoliberal framework that prioritizes individual success over collective liberation. The dominant feminist discourse today champions women breaking the glass ceiling—gaining leadership roles, increasing workforce participation, and earning higher salaries. But this narrative ignores the vast majority of women, particularly working-class and marginalized women, who remain trapped in precarious labor, underpaid care work, and economic insecurity.
Neoliberal feminism tells women to "lean in" rather than challenge the structures that demand their subjugation. It celebrates female CEOs while ignoring the exploitation of female factory workers in the Global South. It measures progress by representation, not by material conditions. As a result, while some women may gain power within the system, the system itself remains deeply patriarchal and exclusionary.
3. Fascism’s Gender Politics: A Threat to Liberal Feminism
The resurgence of authoritarianism and far-right nationalism directly threatens feminist gains. Historically, fascist movements have sought to reinforce rigid gender hierarchies, idealizing women’s roles as mothers and caretakers while policing their autonomy. Today’s far-right leaders—from Trump and Bolsonaro to European nationalist parties—frame feminism as a destabilizing force that weakens national identity and family values.
Liberal feminism, in its institutional and legalistic approach, is ill-equipped to resist this ideological war. It assumes that gender equality is a matter of policy refinement rather than a fundamental battle over social structures. In doing so, it underestimates the intensity of the backlash against it.
4. The Limits of Representation: Why Symbolic Wins Are Not Enough
One of the core myths of neoliberal feminism is that more women in leadership equals more progress for women as a whole. But representation alone does not dismantle patriarchal or economic oppression. We have seen female prime ministers implement austerity measures that disproportionately harm women. We have seen corporate feminism celebrate diversity while exploiting precarious workers. When feminism aligns itself too closely with neoliberal capitalism, it risks becoming a branding exercise rather than a movement for real liberation.
Where to?
If feminism is to remain emancipatory, it must break from neoliberal assumptions and align itself with broader struggles against authoritarianism, economic precarity, and racial injustice. This means:
Rejecting the idea that inclusion in elite spaces equals liberation
Addressing structural inequality rather than focusing on individual success stories
Recognizing that feminism cannot succeed without economic justice
Actively resisting the far-right’s gendered backlash rather than assuming progress is inevitable
In short, feminism must become a force for systemic transformation, not just a tool for incremental reform. If it remains tethered to neoliberalism, it will continue to fail the majority of women—particularly in an era of rising reactionary politics.
The real question is not whether feminism will survive, but whether it will adapt to fight both neoliberal co-optation and far-right regression—or be swallowed by both.
2025 federal election
As Australia approaches its 2025 federal election, the interplay between neoliberal feminism and the nation's political dynamics comes into sharp focus. Despite legislative advancements aimed at promoting gender equality, there is growing concern that these measures may not translate into substantial emancipatory benefits for women, especially in the face of rising populist sentiments and economic uncertainties.
Recent initiatives, such as the introduction of ten days of paid family and domestic violence leave for all workers and the prioritization of gender equality within the Fair Work Act 2009, signify the government's commitment to addressing gender disparities. Additionally, the reduction of the gender pay gap from 18.6% a decade ago to 11.9% and the increase of women holding 54.4% of Australian Government board positions reflect measurable progress. Budget 2025-26Parliamentary Library
However, critiques have emerged regarding the adequacy of these efforts. The 2025 federal budget, for instance, has been criticised for insufficient investment in combating gendered violence. Advocates argue that merely maintaining previous commitments falls short of meeting the pressing demand for crisis funding and comprehensive support for victim-survivors. news
Furthermore, the National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) emphasizes the need for the incoming government to boldly continue investing in programs that reduce gender and intergenerational inequality. They caution that geopolitical uncertainties should not be used as a pretext to halt progress on gender reforms initiated by the 47th Parliament. NFAW
Opposition leader Peter Dutton's proposed strategies, including promoting flexible work-from-home policies to regain female voters, highlight the political recognition of gender issues. However, critics question whether such approaches address the structural inequalities that underpin gender disparities or merely serve as electoral tactics. The Australian
In this context, the feminist movement in Australia faces the challenge of navigating a political landscape where neoliberal policies may offer symbolic victories without effecting substantive change. The risk is that without addressing the underlying structural and systemic issues, the progress made could be superficial and vulnerable to reversal amid shifting political tides.
As the election nears, the critical question remains: Will Australia's political leaders commit to transformative policies that ensure genuine gender equality, or will neoliberal approaches continue to offer limited and fragile gains for women's emancipation?
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