Women of Italy

Victoria Swenson
GWS 220W, Brown
Paper #1-- Women of Italy


           The world consists of many different countries and cultures. The rights of citizens vary in different countries depending on the culture, religion, government and gender. Similar to most countries, Italy did not always have gender equal opportunities. After researching the country Italy, I have learned a lot about Italy's background and information relating to the female population and their rights. It is important to first understand the foundation of Italy before one can understand the cultural background of Italy and how it effects the female population.
           The Italian Peninsula extends into the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Greece. This boot-like shaped peninsula is made up of twenty different regions which are subdivided into provinces and communes. Approximately sixty million people call this country of Italy their home. The largest populated cities in Italy include Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo, Genoa and Rome. Rome is both the largest city in Italy and Italy's capital, with about 2.6 million people living there. The people that make up Italy's population include those who are Italian, German, French, Slovene, Albanian, and Greek Italians. Considering the different ethnic backgrounds of Italy's population, 60% of the citizens speak multiple dialects but over 90% of the population shares belief in the same religion which is Roman Catholic.
           Religion has always played a major role in the Italian culture. The church remains significant in the Italian customs in relation to rituals and celebrations such as baptisms, communions and marriages. Even though Italy's population seems to be very religious, some citizens do not support the way Italy's religion is constructed, which is dominated by the Vatican. The reason some citizens, specifically women, do not support the Vatican is because they were unable to have the rights to issues such as birth control, divorce and abortion. Due to religion aspects in Italy, the female population fought for years to obtain these rights and did so with the help of many feminists, one in particular, Anna Maria Mozzoni who is said to be the founder of the Italian women's movement.
           Although Italy may be known for many things such as its strong emphasis on religion, diversity of its population and its major roles in the arts, literature and food aspects; the culture of Italy has always shown family to be an important role in not only their culture but their country as a whole. "It has been said that Italy is not so much a national state as it is a collection of millions of families." (Killinger, 79) This relationship is known as mammismo. Not only is the mother an important part of her son's life but the female role int he family is known as what keeps the family "together". However, family dynamics have changed over the past years. After World War II, Italy transitioned from an agricultural system into an industrial system which has led to the change in women's roles in both the Italian society and home life.
           Family dynamics have transitioned from large families with multiple children to a decrease in children and a change in parenting roles. For example, Italian women used to have the role of maintaining household duties and raising children while men were known as the "head of the house" and did the majority of the providing. Since women have gained more rights in the Italian society, it has become aware that women are not only as hard working and intelligent as men but according to a 2005 statistic, 57% of all university graduates in Italy were women. (Seager, 119) That statistic shows not only how equally capable women are of providing for themselves, but also how much Italy's women's rights have transitioned from not being allowed an education and now using education to obtain a career and excel in the job market.
           Approximately 80% of women who have university degrees go on to find employment in the Italy job market. As stated before, this is re-enforcing that over the years women's roles have changed from strictly home life of maintaining the family and children to maintaining both the family life and a career. Women seem to have the pressure of all the expectations when it comes to family life in the Italian culture. For example, Italian men are said to contribute very little to housework and child care which could also explain the transition of the family dynamics and the decrease in family size and birth rates. Women are referred to as the "soul" of the family, while men were the "head" of the family but since both have equal independence and rights, they should both have equal responsibilities when it comes to family issues.
           Some family issues in Italy are similar to the issues in other countries such as parenting conflicts, infidelity, abuse and divorce. Italy's main family issues seem to relate to infidelity and divorce due to sexism. In an article on sexism in Italy, Maria Laura Rodota states, "she's overdressed, overworked and has the lowest self-esteem in the western world." In this statement the author is referring to Italian women. Due to Italy's romantic cultural background, women are supposed to fit the stereotypical image of being thin, beautiful, dressing nice and having positive,  romantic and playful attitudes. However, Italian men seem to take advantage of the women of their culture and that is why sexism has played a major role in the Italian culture over the past years.
           Sexism is not only an issue of itself, but is the root of what is leading to higher separation and divorce rates, increase in single parents and a decrease in child birth rates. One  way sexism causes these family problems is the way Italian men treat women, which is with little respect. For example, Rodota also states in her article, "...They can be family men as well as serial playboys..." it is not uncommon for Italian men to have wives and families but also have "lovers" on the side. Since Italian women have gained more independence outside of the home, such as in the job markets, they are becoming successful and stable regardless of their spouses help. Thus, Italian women are starting to not "put up" with their husbands behaviors such as house-hold laziness, infidelity and sexism.
           Italian husbands are not the only men in Italy who allow sexism to be an issue. The former Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi is no role-model for the Italian culture or country. Silvio Berlusconi was extremely successful in the Italian politics for about 17 years. After serving three terms as Italy's Prime Minister, Berlusconi stepped down after being accused of things such as tax fraud and multiple sex scandals. Silvio Berlusconi's most media memorable sex scandal was in February of 2010. News reports stated that Mr. Berlusconi had sex with a 17 year old girl by the name of Karmia El-Mahroug. One article by the author of Russell Goldman also has statements by Ms. El-Mahrough explaining how Berlusconi had "showered" her with cash, jewelry and had invited her to sex parties, including one called the "bunga bung". "Bunga Bunga" parties are described as Libyan orgies, including up to 20 different women. According to Italian citizens, Silvio Berlusconi had learned about "bunga bunga" sex parties from the Libyan dictator Muammar Kaddafi.
           Silvio Berlusconi and Muammar Kaddafi both hold high authoritarian government positions in their countries, but demonstrate such degrading behavior towards the female population. These men are not setting a good example for the citizens of their country and are allowing sexism to be a continuous problem. An example of how Silvio Berlusconi's behavior has had a negative impact on his citizens includes another situation with older men having sexual encounters with teenage girls. In this incident, a man was charged by the Supreme Court of Italy in 2008, for one year of incarceration. this man was charged after sexually assaulting a 16 year old girl who had been the daughter of his girlfriend or "lover". This example not only emphasizes how women, regardless of age, are treated as sex symbols but also how typical it is for Italian men to engage in infidelity.
           Unfortunately, Italian men have most of the power when it comes to politics. There are few Italian women who are involved int he Italian government. This may be the reason why women's voices in Italy are so seldom considered even though there are large numbers of feminist groups. In an article titled, Politics Shmolitics written by Giulia Lasagni, she states "they are mostly unable to make themselves heard--and those that succeed in attracting attention are unable to rally support from the younger generation." According to a 2006 statistic, 51% of Italy's population is women. (Seager, 110) Therefore, Italian women of all generations need to come together to help enforce changes in Italy regarding sexism and the disrespect and degrading of the Italian female population.
           In the past year or so, one million women (and men) protested across 230 towns and cities in Italy. Italian citizens finally started to make their voices heard on issues regarding not only the Prime Minister's sex scandals, but also they way Italian women are perceived by the men in their country. A Million March against Sexism, written by Christine Thomas gives information about the protest and in it states, "A sexist culture has been created in which some young women now think their bodies are the only asset and only route to success in life." This statement regarding Italy's culture shows that women are classified as objects and not people. It is not only husbands, boyfriends, or male citizens of Italy who are classifying women this way, but also Italy's government.
           Even though Italian women have gained more independence, freedom and equality after the twentieth century sexism has always been an issue and still is an issue. However, with the increase of female intelligence and educational degrees they have made a way for themselves in the Italian job market. Women are providing an income for their families and some are even single parents who still manage to be successful without the help of a man. However, women were still only being acknowledged as "sex symbols". The Italian government, specifically the Prime Minister and the Italian male population have and still do play a major role in the issues relation to women and sexism. The behaviors of the Italian male population such as infidelity, sexual assault, rape and much more have only influenced sexism in Italy. Women are not only fed up with this treatment but are slowly starting to take control and let their voices be heard. All countries have issues and no culture or country is a "perfect" example. Although issues such as sexism, sex-trafficking and women degradation occur in all countries, Italy is an example of how sexism plays a role in society and family life.

Works Cited

Killinger, Charles. Culture and Customs of Italy.

           First Edition. Wesport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2005.

           1-14, 71-87. Print.

Seager, Joni. The Penguin Atlas of Women in the World.

           Fourth Edition. New York, NY: Penguin Books, 2009.

           110-120. Print.

Lasagni, Giulia. "Politics Shmolitics" presseurop. 25

           09 2009: n. page. Print.

           <http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/104291-politics-schmolitics>.

Thomas, Christine. "A Million March Against Sexism."

          socialistworld.net 09 03 2011: n. page. Print.

          <http://www.socialistworld.net/doc/4908>.

Goldman, Russell. "Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi

           Accused by teen of hosting 'Bunga Bunga' Orgy."

           ABC News. 10 11 2010: n. page. Print.

           <http://abcnews.go.com/International/italian-pm-silvio-berlusconi-accused-teen-prostitute>.

Rodota, Maria Laura. "Italian Women have to fight sexism

           in every aspect of their live." the guardian. 19 09 2009: n. page. Print.

           <http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/20/berlusconi-italian-women-sexism>.