This thesis explores the strategic use of populist rhetoric by Giorgia Meloni (Italy’s Prime Minister) and Riikka Purra (Finland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance), situating their approaches inside the broader context of European right-wing populism. The research is grounded in a substantial theoretical framework, which focuses on the ideological and performative characteristics of populism, and it examines how populism operates as both a political style and a discourse rhetoric based on recurring key themes. With the addition of an analysis on gender and religion, this research wants to demonstrate how Meloni’s and Purra’s leadership challenges traditional perceptions of populism while reinforcing conservative values. Through a detailed thematic analysis of their public speeches, the study identifies themes such as national identity, moral dichotomies, gendered narratives, and selective cultural or religious symbolism, and it investigates how these leaders construct emotionally resonant messages that mobilize support. This comparative approach underscores the significance of understanding populism not only as a reactionary political phenomenon but also as a dynamic force that is reshaping European politics. This research thus hopes to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms and implications of right-wing populist strategies, especially in an era of polarizing politics and social changes.
This thesis explores the strategic use of populist rhetoric by Giorgia Meloni (Italy’s Prime Minister) and Riikka Purra (Finland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance), situating their approaches inside the broader context of European right-wing populism. The research is grounded in a substantial theoretical framework, which focuses on the ideological and performative characteristics of populism, and it examines how populism operates as both a political style and a discourse rhetoric based on recurring key themes. With the addition of an analysis on gender and religion, this research wants to demonstrate how Meloni’s and Purra’s leadership challenges traditional perceptions of populism while reinforcing conservative values. Through a detailed thematic analysis of their public speeches, the study identifies themes such as national identity, moral dichotomies, gendered narratives, and selective cultural or religious symbolism, and it investigates how these leaders construct emotionally resonant messages that mobilize support. This comparative approach underscores the significance of understanding populism not only as a reactionary political phenomenon but also as a dynamic force that is reshaping European politics. This research thus hopes to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms and implications of right-wing populist strategies, especially in an era of polarizing politics and social changes.
Harnessing Populism: Gender, Media, and the Rise of Female Leaders in European Right-Wing Parties
MADDII, FRANCESCA
2023/2024
Abstract
This thesis explores the strategic use of populist rhetoric by Giorgia Meloni (Italy’s Prime Minister) and Riikka Purra (Finland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance), situating their approaches inside the broader context of European right-wing populism. The research is grounded in a substantial theoretical framework, which focuses on the ideological and performative characteristics of populism, and it examines how populism operates as both a political style and a discourse rhetoric based on recurring key themes. With the addition of an analysis on gender and religion, this research wants to demonstrate how Meloni’s and Purra’s leadership challenges traditional perceptions of populism while reinforcing conservative values. Through a detailed thematic analysis of their public speeches, the study identifies themes such as national identity, moral dichotomies, gendered narratives, and selective cultural or religious symbolism, and it investigates how these leaders construct emotionally resonant messages that mobilize support. This comparative approach underscores the significance of understanding populism not only as a reactionary political phenomenon but also as a dynamic force that is reshaping European politics. This research thus hopes to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms and implications of right-wing populist strategies, especially in an era of polarizing politics and social changes.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/78838