Hate Speech Against Women Politicians in Contemporary Finland: Misogyny as an Instrument of Social Control

Politicians worldwide are increasingly subjected to hate speech, with women disproportionately affected. Recent shifts in the sociopolitical landscape have intensified the nature of hate speech, and Finland is no exception. Hate speech directed at women politicians constitutes a form of gendered political violence that threatens women’s political participation. While existing research has primarily examined online content, comparatively less attention has been paid to the experiences and perspectives of women politicians themselves. Research centred on women’s lived experiences is particularly valuable for understanding misogyny as a form of social control that constrains women’s active citizenship. Given Finland’s strong reputation for gender equality, it provides a compelling context for examining the cultural meanings underpinning gendered hate speech. This paper employs thematic analysis and a feminist approach to examine interviews and written accounts by Finnish women politicians about their experiences of hate speech. Drawing on Kate Manne’s concept of misogyny as social control, the findings show that hate speech seeks to control women politicians through sexualization, belittlement, and anti-feminist rhetoric. These practices undermine active citizenship by instilling fear, silencing women, and shaping their political behaviour. Despite Finland’s achievements in gender equality, persistent patriarchal attitudes continue to undermine women’s political representation and democratic participation.