Feminism in five-inch heels: A critical analysis of Sigrid Kaag and Dilan Yeşilgöz' enactment of neoliberal 'feminism' in the Dutch political field

Abstract

This thesis examines neoliberal ‘feminism’ in the Dutch political context through the case studies of Sigrid Kaag and Dilan Yeşilgöz, two prominent female politicians in recent Dutch political history. I view these women as symbolic for the state of feminism in Dutch politics and explore how their ‘feminism’ limits a more radical feminism. This research was done through a critical, feminist perspective and builds upon prior research on other Western female politicians that enact neoliberal ‘feminism’.

To look at the Dutch context more specifically, a critical discourse analysis was used in which I found that while Kaag and Yeşilgöz both enact vastly different strategies, they both fall under neoliberal ‘feminism’. Kaag’s ‘feminism’ is clearly influenced by neoliberalism and Yeşilgöz’ neoliberalism has some ‘feminist’ aspects. This makes the two politicians different at first glance, but in the end quite similar. In relation to prior research, I have found a resemblance between Clinton and Kaag’s ‘feminism’, as both are enthusiastic ‘feminists’, yet are influenced by imperialist, neoliberal notions. I also found Merkel’s reluctant approach to ‘feminism’ similar to that of Yeşilgöz and lastly I argue that both Kaag and Yeşilgöz profit from their campaigns being viewed as inherently ‘feminist’ because they are women, just like Thatcher did.

Moreover, I discussed how this neoliberal ‘feminism’ that Kaag and Yeşilgöz enact – that I argue is symbolic for the whole political Dutch field – limits radical feminism and how perhaps space can be made for it. I discuss how by working on radically changing the political system itself, working on the lack of diversity within it and by taking a bottom-up approach to politics and activism, a desperately needed radical feminism can take up more space in Dutch politics.