Structural Inequalities at the Intersection of Neoliberalism and Gender: Reinterpreting the Concepts of Freedom and Equality.

The study explores the intersections of neoliberalism, gender, and the communication strategies of radical right-wing populist forces, with a particular focus on the re-signification of the concepts of freedom, equality, and inclusion (Bobbio, 1994; Foucault, 2004). Building on the concept of habitus (Bourdieu, 1998), it explores how cultural and social dispositions shape the perception of freedom within a neoliberal framework that redefines this concept through market logics. This approach promotes an individualism centered on independence and competition, often neglecting structural inequalities. The study employs the notion of performativity (Butler, 2006) to interpret the role of gender and identity in populist narratives, which exploit national, ethnic, and religious identities to reinforce an exclusionary notion of the “people.” The analysis will focus on significant national events and their media coverage, with special attention to audience engagement and digital publics. Using qualitative analysis software (Nvivo – Content Analysis), the proposed study will examine right-wing populist movements and related political and cultural groups. Additionally, it investigates how neoliberal diversity management - ostensibly aimed at promoting inclusion for economic gains—may, in fact, contribute to the normalization of gender and social inequalities rather than reducing them.