ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the rise of right-wing nationalist populism and its impact on feminist philosophies, and offers a feminist response. The open support for ‘white’ patriarchy in capitalist countries, by some men and women, and as promoted by right-wing populist (mostly male) leaders can be seen as direct attack on the feminist social justice agenda in support of women’s rights. This new populism from the right is heralding a return to conservative gender politics, and a deeper analysis of its ontological aspect would help feminists find a meaning, a language and a continuity from past struggles to defend women’s hard-won social, cultural, legal and sexual rights. Feminists need to undertake explicit counter-measures to influence a new generation of women’s empowerment and resistance. Social workers could benefit from reinvigorated feminist critique to contest the rise in right-wing nationalist populism.
