Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Benes, Carrie
Area of Concentration
History and Gender Studies
Abstract
This thesis argues that there are important similarities and trends in the representations and treatment of women in Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Both fascist regimes created gendered public and private spheres, used motherhood as a tool for expansion, and viewed women as subordinate and thus implemented policies that reflected this view. The time frame for this thesis is the early to mid-twentieth century, focusing specifically on the rise of fascism in Germany and Italy and the impact of World War II. Primarily government-produced images were used, mostly posters as well as some postcards and magazine covers. This thesis is organized based on broad trends found in the propaganda of “Woman as Mother” and “Woman as Home/Front.” One goal of this thesis is to highlight the role of government intervention in the development of gender norms and expectations. With a hope that this understanding will help people to challenge constricting binaries and expectations.
Recommended Citation
Lane, Sarah, "PROLIFIC MOTHERS AND ETERNAL SELF-SACRIFICE: REPRESENTATIONS OF WOMEN IN FASCIST GERMAN AND ITALIAN WORLD WAR II PROPAGANDA" (2021). Theses & ETDs. 6088.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6088