Cooking the Patriotic Omelette: Women and the Italian Fascist Ruralization Campaign

In: European history quarterly, Band 27, Heft 4, S. 531-547

Abstract

Investigates the Massaie Rurali, the largest fascist women's organization in Italy during the early 20th century. A historical overview of the development of this organization of rural housewives under Regina Terruzzi, the Massaie's activities & objectives, the impact of propaganda on the organization's newspaper, & the services provided by the Massaie (eg, helping members sell produce) is presented. Although control of the Massaie was transfered to the Fasci Femminili, a fascist organization of middle-class women, during the 1930s, peasant Massaie composed a majority of its members. Despite the organization's obsession with preserving the rural lifestyle & traditional gender roles, it is noted that rural female activities were finally perceived as contributing to the fascist nation's development. It is concluded that the Massaie Rurali played a significant role in the future mobilization & politicization of women in Italy. J. W. Parker