Affective Polarisation Over Gender

The process of polarisation has a main role within culture wars, acknowledging that these conflicts often manifest as polarising impulses rather than coherent worldviews. Polarisation is here explored in its dual nature, encompassing both discursive and manipulative aspects, akin to disinformation, as well as ideological positioning of political actors along various axes. The chapter examines how discursive polarisation, often fuelled by malinformation and negative communication, intersects with ideological polarisation, shaping political landscapes and public discourse. It discusses the role of polarising leaders and media platforms in perpetuating culture wars, which are frequently confined to elite circles but exploit affective mobilisation for commercial purposes. Focusing on the gender culture war, particularly the debate surrounding the Zan Bill, the chapter illustrates how selective emphasis on certain LGBTQIA+ demands can inadvertently fuel polarising manipulation. By analysing the Facebook discourse among politicians for two years, the chapter unveils opposing strategies of affective mobilisation that reinforce polarisation dynamics within society, between gender and anti-gender coalitions.