Performing and enforcing gender through violence: An analysis of how and why conjugal order informs right-wing extremist constructions of misogynistic gender orders

Research output: Other contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

This paper seeks to analyse how and why right-wing extremists construct misogynistic gender orders. It achieves this by analysing a range of case studies, including Ander’s Breivik’s 2083 and Brenton Tarrant’s The Great Replacement, as well as social media content. I build on my previous research on violent extremist constructions of in-group and out-group “gender representations” that are portrayed as either contributing to or undermining strategic objectives respectively. I augment this framework with Megan Mackenzie and Nicole George’s conceptualisation of conjugal order as formal rules and informal norms that maintain certain gendered and sexual behaviours for women and men. I argue that right-wing extremists construct misogynistic gender orders that aim to advance their strategic objectives and are influenced by a patriarchal conjugal order that privileges heterosexuality, assumes marital sex is consensual, and enforces female reproductive and domesticity roles within the nuclear family. I contend that this conjugal order is enforced through gender-based violence, where violence in all forms is a performative act of doing and enforcing gender. Thus, I argue that out-group gender representations (women and men who challenge violent extremist’s conjugal order and thus undermine strategic objectives) are not only unworthy of protection, but become targets of violent retribution.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2024
EventInternational Studies Association 65th Annual Convention 2024: ISA 2024 - Hilton San Francisco , San Francisco, United States
Duration: 03 Apr 202406 Apr 2024
https://www.isanet.org/Conferences/ISA2024
https://www.isanet.org/Conferences/ISA2024/Program (Program)

Conference

ConferenceInternational Studies Association 65th Annual Convention 2024
Abbreviated titlePutting Relationality at the Centre of International Studies
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period03/04/2406/04/24
Internet address

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