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 seven case studies by issue or member state in uniform format. In each case a sample of competing frames, their content and their influence are considered in light of the project's three key analytical themes (intersectionality, voice and the public−private dichotomy). The result is a book with a large amount of transparent data and evidence to support the editors end conclusions.

A key contribution of the book and its method is a deeper engagement with issues of intersectionality. Through its analysis of multiple gender equality debates, the book succeeds in capturing a rich description that sheds light not only on how ethnicity/race (case studies on Austria and Slovenia, Hungary and the Netherlands) or sexuality (Spain) and gender intersect, but also on how such intersection is frequently obscured in policy debates. In the context of current moves towards a single equalities approach in the EU, this focus on political intersectionality is particularly timely.

Some academic readers may be disappointed by the lack of description and analysis of the processes leading to particular framings and the occasionally shallow interaction with existing policy analysis/political studies scholarship. A case in point might be the case study of Hungarian anti-discrimination policy. Although the authors begin engaging with mainstream scholarship on Europeanization (Knill and Lehmkuhl, Reference Knill and Lehmkukl2002; Schmidt and Radaelli, Reference Schmidt and Radaelli2004) and mechanisms of ‘Europeanization through framing’, they do not explicitly contribute to a more detailed understanding of the processes involved. Given that existing discussion of Europeanization through framing is comparatively underdeveloped, this misses an opportunity to fill a gap in existing Europeanization literature.

This is not to say, however, that the book does not make an effective analysis of the EU's impact on member states gender equality policy, merely that it focuses on far more discursive outcomes than the ‘mechanisms’ of Europeanization sought in mainstream literature. In fact, by employing the insights of feminist theory, the authors present a uniquely detailed analysis of the qualitative variations in Europeanization. The critical frame methodology presents a nuanced analysis of policy frames, which includes dimensions such as problem diagnosis and prognosis, attribution of roles, normativity and the balance between elements of a frame. Secondly, the methodology captures tendencies in power dynamics, indicating that the more radical policy framings articulated by feminist NGOs are incorporated into policy less frequently than the more conservative contributions of ‘femocrats’.

Most interestingly, the authors argue a fundamental limitation in the EU's ability to promote gender equality, which is equally played out in its Europeanizing effects. In the concluding chapter Verloo et al. argue that until the EU mandate extends beyond policy relating primarily to market function and employment, its intervention is likely to stop short at the traditional boundary between the public and private sphere. Thus, without an extension in the EU's policy remit, in its gender equality policy it will not be able to enact a redefinition of the political by intervening in areas such as the division of labour in the private sphere or personal relationships.

In short, the book presents findings and theoretical comment which should be of interest to three audiences. Firstly, for scholars of EU gender equality policy, the book supplies a solid theoretical introduction and synopsis of EU gender equality policy. Its impressive breadth of analysis highlights the diversity of gender equality policy in member states and its discussion of political intersectionality engages with a key development in EU equalities policy. Secondly, the new methodology, and the detailed qualitative analysis it enables, will be of note to scholars of Europeanization interested in framing mechanisms and outcomes. Lastly, for gender equality lobbyists and activists, the book provides ample illustration of potential framings of gender equality policy as well as conclusions regarding the most important ingredients for effective gender equality policy and lobbying.