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The club of the discontents: motivational roots, polarise narratives, and key actors of Spanish-speaking anti-abortion communities on Twitter

Author

Listed:
  • Dafne Calvo

    (University of Valencia)

  • María Iranzo-Cabrera

    (University of Valencia)

  • Jordi Morales-i-Gras

    (University of the Basque Country)

  • Raquel Tarullo

    (University of Valencia)

Abstract

Amidst the evolving landscape of abortion laws in Latin America and Spain, the ethical discourse surrounding its acceptability remains highly contentious, particularly within digital advocacy campaigns aimed at its prohibition. Against the backdrop of diverse trends observed within anti-feminist movements and the heightened toxicity permeating online platforms, this study endeavours to explore the communication dynamics and organisational structures of anti-abortion communities across Spanish-speaking regions on Twitter (X). Employing a deep learning-based methodology, we focus on four prominent hashtags to facilitate a quantitative and qualitative examination of the content disseminated. Through our data analysis, we aim to unveil prevalent patterns characterised by using hate speech and negative narratives within these communities, shedding light on the intricate interplay among disparate factions within the conservative, reactionary movement. Our findings reveal a hierarchical repertoire dominating the most active communities, national homophily, male predominance in the discourse and a noticeable presence of religious and political activists. The anti-abortion discourse serves as the central tenet around which all extreme right voices coalesce.

Suggested Citation

  • Dafne Calvo & María Iranzo-Cabrera & Jordi Morales-i-Gras & Raquel Tarullo, 2025. "The club of the discontents: motivational roots, polarise narratives, and key actors of Spanish-speaking anti-abortion communities on Twitter," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04568-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04568-7
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