Hyper-masculinity, hyper-femininity, and the far-right in Romania: the role of influencers in shaping youth identities

Far-right ideologies increasingly rely on hyper-masculinity and hyper-femininity as central components of their anti-feminist, anti-gender, and anti-LGBTQ+ narratives (Norocel, 2022; Dietze, Roth, 2020; Köttig & Blum, 2017; Kuhar, Paternotte, 2020). These gender models not only define ideological boundaries but also serve as tools for mobilizing youth, offering a framework of identity and belonging. In the digital age, influencers legitimize and promote these gendered narratives, turning far-right ideals into aspirational lifestyles. Research shows young men are key far-right voters, with the very young swelling extra-parliamentary groups (Miller-Idriss, 2020). This paper analyzes the online construction of hyper-masculinity and hyper-femininity through influencers who present themselves as “mentors” of femininity and masculinity. Through a discourse analysis of their digital content (blogs, youtube), the paper explores how these ideals intersect with exclusionary narratives, reinforcing conservative gender norms and aligning with broader far-right strategies of youth engagement. The “masculinity mentor” has also expressed open support for a controversial far-right political presidential candidate in Romania, highlighting the intertwining of gendered rhetoric and political extremism. This paper highlights the imbrication of hyper-masculinity and hyper-femininity in youth identity construction, showing how these gender models reinforce exclusionary ideologies and serve as markers of anti-feminist and anti-gender mobilization within the far-right.