| dc.description.abstract | This thesis examines neoliberal ‘feminism’ in the Dutch political context through the case
studies of Sigrid Kaag and Dilan Yeşilgöz, two prominent female politicians in recent Dutch
political history. I view these women as symbolic for the state of feminism in Dutch politics
and explore how their ‘feminism’ limits a more radical feminism. This research was done
through a critical, feminist perspective and builds upon prior research on other Western female
politicians that enact neoliberal ‘feminism’.
To look at the Dutch context more specifically, a critical discourse analysis was used in
which I found that while Kaag and Yeşilgöz both enact vastly different strategies, they both fall
under neoliberal ‘feminism’. Kaag’s ‘feminism’ is clearly influenced by neoliberalism and
Yeşilgöz’ neoliberalism has some ‘feminist’ aspects. This makes the two politicians different
at first glance, but in the end quite similar. In relation to prior research, I have found a
resemblance between Clinton and Kaag’s ‘feminism’, as both are enthusiastic ‘feminists’, yet
are influenced by imperialist, neoliberal notions. I also found Merkel’s reluctant approach to
‘feminism’ similar to that of Yeşilgöz and lastly I argue that both Kaag and Yeşilgöz profit
from their campaigns being viewed as inherently ‘feminist’ because they are women, just like
Thatcher did.
Moreover, I discussed how this neoliberal ‘feminism’ that Kaag and Yeşilgöz enact –
that I argue is symbolic for the whole political Dutch field – limits radical feminism and how
perhaps space can be made for it. I discuss how by working on radically changing the political
system itself, working on the lack of diversity within it and by taking a bottom-up approach to
politics and activism, a desperately needed radical feminism can take up more space in Dutch
politics. | |
