Routledge - Peasant Women and Politics in Fascist Italy

Explore the untold history of the Massaie Rurali in this essential study from Routledge. Between the world wars, peasant women represented the largest female occupational group in Italy. While they faced extreme poverty and heavy workloads, Fascist propaganda portrayed them as the nation's mothers and the most praiseworthy guardians of rural life. This book provides the first published history of the Massaie Rurali, the Fascist Party's specific section for peasant women. By 1943, this organization grew to include three million members, making it one of the largest mass mobilizing groups of the regime. Through this research, readers gain insight into how this section influenced core Fascist campaigns and nation-building efforts. This work is a vital resource for those studying European history, gender roles, and the political structures of interwar Italy.