Italian Women Terrorists

In: Terrorism: an internat. journal, Band 9, Heft 3, S. 241-262

Abstract

The role of women in the prolonged Italian experience of political terrorism is examined using biographical information (obtained from 2 major newspapers & court records) on 451 Fs active in terrorist groups between 1970 & 1984. Results indicate that the participation of women in terrorist activities differed from that of their M counterparts in many ways. Fs were more likely to become involved: (1) at a later chronological age & later in the cycle of terrorist activities, (2) as a result of family/romantic connections rather than prior experience in other political organizations, (3) in groups with different ideological perspectives & social ethos than those that attracted Ms, & (4) less often in leadership activities. It is argued that women's participation in political terrorism was spawned by a general radicalization of political life & the emphasis placed on women's issues by extreme leftist movements. 4 Tables. K. Hyatt