Reactions to gender equality and occupation of the state in the Bolsonaro government (2019-2022)

Abstract

The article is inserted in the debate about the backlash against feminist politics. In Brazil, these reactions were understood to be a political guideline during the government of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022). During this period, the anti-feminist countermovement had access to the public administration, occupying positions in a convergent coalition government. By that we mean a heterogeneous government alliance, which did not include groups oriented towards the promotion of gender equality. The study analyzes who these actors were and the effects of their work on gender agendas in three ministries: Women, Family and Human Rights; Health; and Education. We collected data on the trajectories and role of the actors in the state, highlighting the policies in which they were involved. The data point to the importance of conservative Evangelical and Catholic actors, who were allied in actions to block feminist agendas and propose policies that affirm the traditional family order.

gender; backlash; feminist countermovement; convergent coalition; Bolsonaro government