How are feminist policy frames challenged and resisted, and with what effects? Exploring the Scottish domestic abuse policy case

Abstract

The recent rise in anti-feminist resistance in Europe, occurring within a longer history of unravelling feminist policy gains, poses significant challenges for feminists. While scholars have closely examined resistance in cases characterised by significant equality backsliding, little is known about the contexts where anti-feminist actors are marginal and resistance is more inconspicuous. This article contributes to gender and politics scholarship, applying an integrated feminist institutionalist framework to a best-case scenario of progressive policymaking sustained over two decades: Scottish domestic abuse policymaking. Using documentary analysis and expert interviews, it traces the evolution of a form of anti-feminist resistance known as ‘whataboutery’ from 1998 to 2018. It argues that despite being positioned as losers in the debate, resistors have achieved considerable success in shaping policy trajectories and feminist strategies. The study sheds light on how feminist actors navigate real and anticipated threats to equality, illuminating the unintended consequences of women’s movements’ framing strategies.