The Political Instrumentalization of "Family Values" in Post-Socialist Hungary

This talk examines the evolving role of fatherhood and family policy in Hungary from the late socialist period to the present, highlighting how ideas of parenthood have been shaped through broader political transformations. It focuses on the politicization of “family values,” both historically and in contemporary authoritarian governance. Beginning in the late 1970s, adiscourse emerged around the ideal socialist family, promoting gender equality in caregiving. Experts and media addressed the domestic role of fathers, while Ágnes Geréb started to allow fathers in the delivery room. Although these developments signaled a shift toward gender egalitarianism, such ideals never fully mainstreamed. After the collapse of socialism, new fathers’ rights groups appeared, many aligning with right-wing parties and anti-abortion movements. Today’s authoritarian governments employ “demographic populism,” instrumentalizing family policies to consolidate power and enforce traditional gender roles. This talk has been delivered as part of the international online talk series DEMFAM Thursday Talks. Rethinking Parenthood in Central and Eastern Europe: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives organized by the ERC-Project Democratising the Family? Gender Equality, Parental Rights and Child Welfare in Contemporary Global History.