Panel: DIGITAL RELIGION IN AN (IN)EQUAL WORLD: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS



845.1 - CHRISTIAN TO WHOM? CATHOLIC FEMINISM AND DIGITAL MEDIA IN ITALY

AUTHORS:
Evolvi G. (University of Bologna ~ Bologna ~ Italy)
Text:
The relationship between religion and gender often produces debates about social justice and (in)equalities (Giorgi and Palmisano, 2020). Within contemporary Catholicism, some women ask for equal rights, demanding, for instance, to be ordained priests (Peterfeso, 2020). These claims can find a space online, where Catholic feminists who are marginalized within physical religious communities can find an alternative space of expression. Discussing how digital religion allows for transformations in communities and authorities (Campbell and Tsuria, 2021), this paper focuses on Catholic feminists in Italy, a context where Catholicism is historically deeply intertwined with society and culture (Garelli, 2007). By means of interviews and analysis of a Christian feminist podcast, and Instagram pages and websites, the current presentation addresses the following questions: Which strategies do Catholic feminists in Italy use to reach gender equality? What is the role of digital media to promote feminism within Catholicism? The results point to an ambivalent relationship between religion and feminism: on the one hand, many women feel excluded by the Church, and go to mass reluctantly or avoid certain communities altogether; on the other hand, they are often questioned by secular feminists on their choices of keeping their religious affiliation. While the Internet tends to simplify complex messages, it can function for many women as a tool to reach the younger generation, educate Catholics on gender equality and feminism, gain visibility, and form international networks. In conclusion, the paper argues that it is important to consider the online strategies of Catholic feminists through an interdisciplinary approach that includes gender studies and social movement studies, to understand the connections between religion, feminism, and social justice.