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Mieke Verloo's edited collection presents an analysis of gender equality policy debates in selected European Union (EU) member states (Austria, The Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece and Spain) undertaken as part of the EU funded 'MAGEEQ' project: 'Policy frames and implementation problems: the case of gender mainstreaming'. The project developed and used a methodology of 'critical frame analysis' that draws on social movement theory approaches and framing analysis to examine how policy problems are described in policy documents, speeches and lobbying material. Analysis focuses particularly strongly on three dimensions of problem definition and debate: the relation of gender to other inequalities (intersectionality); who enjoys voice and influence in debates defining gender equality policy; and how the public/private dichotomy shapes the definition of 'the political'.
The critical frame analysis approach is firmly contextualised within existing feminist theory. Indeed the first chapter provides a readable and very useful introduction to key concepts in feminist policy analysis. This not only provides a solid explanation for the methodology adopted, but will also be of significant use to early researchers seeking to come to grips with feminist policy analysis and debates within the field. The book's second chapter provides an excellent introduction to the evolution of gender equality policy in the EU, whilst simultaneously applying the theoretical insights of the previous theoretical chapter to provide insightful critique.
The remaining chapters present...