The Curious Case of the Feminist Triple-Double: Investigating the Double Standards of Feminism and the Double Bind through the Campaigns of Leni Robredo and Sara Duterte during the 2022 Philippine Elections

Abstract

The 2022 Philippine National Elections became a pivotal moment for the country’s history as two prominent women politicians, Leni Robredo and Sara Duterte, competed for the two highest positions in the Philippine government— president and vice president, respectively. The former lost while the latter won but both by huge margins. Amidst the number of feminist studies in the Philippines, a notable gap existed in exploring the double standards of feminism and the double bind within the context of electoral campaigns and outcomes. This study employed a Feminist Discourse Critical Analysis (FCDA) methodology, utilizing data from in-depth interviews with 20 women participants, evenly split between Sara Duterte and Leni Robredo voters, with the objective to investigate the enduring implications of the double bind and double standards of feminism within the political sphere. Findings revealed that despite the apparent advancements in women’s political participation, both candidates were perceived as navigating a complex double bind, either downplaying their womanhood or strategically wielding their motherhood. This highlighted the intricate difficulties women encounter as they navigate societal expectations within the realm of political discourse. The study also suggested a concerning trend wherein women politicians may continue to grapple with the double bind and patriarchal standards in shaping their political strategies. As more women enter the political arena, understanding and dismantling these barriers will be crucial for fostering genuine gender equity and dismantling entrenched patriarchal norms in political campaigns and outcomes.