Policy contention and the movement-party relationship: Pro-choice mobilization in Poland, 2020–21

Abstract

Policy contention occurs when social movements and political parties struggle over a specific policy, e.g. regarding reproductive rights. Yet, the empirical literature on movement-party relationships focuses on general social change and not on contention over specific policies. To address this gap, I analyze the 2020 Women's Strike protests in Poland using newspaper data and interviews with liberal politicians. Ideological alignment proved crucial to movement-party relations, as Polish conservative politicians and pro-choice activists displayed mutual hostility. Hostility within the movements and liberal parties was rooted in reciprocal distrust over past conflicts between pro-choice activists and liberal parties. To strengthen alliances beyond the moment of policy contention, activists forged relationships with individual politicians and urged parties to clarify their stance on reproductive rights. The 2020 protests also prompted some liberal parties to adopt a clearer pro-choice position.