Since its founding, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has established itself as a party that takes controversial positions on social and political issues. One particularly striking aspect of its ideology is its view of women, which is often criticized as outdated and misogynistic. The party promotes traditional gender roles and actively opposes feminist achievements - a stance that is increasingly seen as problematic in a modern and equal society. The AfD’s image of women is strongly shaped by traditional gender roles. The party repeatedly emphasizes the importance of the classic family, consisting of a father, mother, and children, and defines the role of women primarily as mothers and housewives. These ideas are reminiscent of the propaganda of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, when women were portrayed as “guardians of the hearth” and bearers of the nation.
One example of this is the AfD’s call for targeted support of families with multiple children through financial incentives. At first glance, this may appear family-friendly, but the underlying ideology points to a restriction of women's professional and personal freedom. The rejection of publicly funded childcare and the emphasis on the mother as the “best caregiver” for the child are also expressions of this outdated mindset. In comparison, the Nazis promoted programs such as the Mother’s Cross to honor women for their role as childbearers. This ideological focus on the biological and societal function of women as mothers continues in today’s AfD rhetoric - albeit in more modern language.
The AfD clearly positions itself against feminist progress and often sees it as an attack on the traditional social order. This is evident, among other things, in its rejection of gender mainstreaming and its demand to roll back corresponding state programs. This ignores the fact that gender mainstreaming is a strategy aimed at promoting equal opportunities and reducing structural disadvantages. One example of the AfD’s misogynistic policy is the repeated demand to do away with quota regulations. The party argues that such measures are unfair and undermine the meritocracy. This stands in contrast to scientific studies that show quotas can be an effective tool for breaking down structural barriers and facilitating women’s access to leadership positions. Interestingly, a parallel can be drawn to the view of women in the 1930s: feminist movements were also portrayed at that time as a threat to the social order, while women were simultaneously forced into roles by state propaganda that restricted their political and economic participation.
Particularly problematic is the AfD’s instrumentalization of women’s rights, especially in the context of its anti-immigration agenda. The party frequently portrays sexual violence and discrimination against women as phenomena associated exclusively with migration. In doing so, it overlooks the fact that violence against women is a global and societal problem that exists independently of cultural or ethnic background. This approach is reminiscent of Nazi rhetoric, which also attempted to instrumentalize women’s rights to stigmatize certain population groups and justify political goals. Through this strategy, the AfD contributes to the escalation of social tensions instead of promoting constructive dialogue. The AfD’s view of women is an expression of a backward-looking and misogynistic mindset that shares parallels with the ideologies of National Socialism. The party relies on an ideology that seeks to push women back into traditional roles and undo feminist achievements. At a time when equality and diversity are gaining importance, this stance appears not only anachronistic but also dangerous. It is up to society to recognize these tendencies and actively stand up for a progressive and just future in which women and men have equal opportunities and rights.
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