Misogyny, racism, and threats to our families: a qualitative study of harassment of female politicians

Abstract

Politicians from around the world are increasingly subject to harassment, with women disproportionately targeted. Recent changes in the sociopolitical landscape have influenced the nature and intensity of this harassment, with New Zealand being no exception. This qualitative study explores the experiences and impacts of harassment among female Members of Parliament (MPs) in New Zealand. Semi-structured interviews with 11 female MPs were analysed, using thematic analysis, to identify key themes. Four major themes emerged. First, misogyny and racism were ubiquitous in the harassment of female MPs, their staff, and their families. Second, women found responding to abuse came at great personal cost, including increased mental and administrative workloads. Third, psychosocial impacts of harassment were considerable and, at worst, associated with some MPs experiencing flashbacks and suicidality. Last, there were shifting sands in the nature of harassment, influenced by political polarisation, social media, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Barriers to support included parliamentary culture, stoicism, and perceived ineffectuality and insensitivity of support services. Harassment profoundly impacts female parliamentarians. This challenges representation in politics and the fabric of democracy. A multi-faceted response to the harassment of female MPs is urgently needed.

Keywords

• Members of Parliament (MPs)
• harassment
• misogyny
• racism
• threat