Panel: GENDER IDENTITY AND EUROPEAN TRANSFORMATION: BEYOND BINARIES AND POLITICAL PROPAGANDA



850.3 - RELIGION AND/AS POLITICAL PROPAGANDA: GENDER, FAMILY, AND CONSERVATISM IN ITALIAN POLITICS

AUTHORS:
Cinocca F. (Emmanuel College ~ Boston ~ United States of America)
Text:
In contemporary Italian politics, religion often functions as both a moral compass and a political tool, shaping debates on gender, family, and social values. This paper explores the socio-political dynamics under Italy's first female prime minister, where feminist rhetoric coexists with policies reinforcing traditional family structures, criminalizing surrogacy, and rejecting progressive legislation especially concerning LGBTQ+ rights. This paper critiques the conflation of religious principles with political agendas, distinguishing between authentic Catholic ethics and its exploitation as political propaganda. By examining the intersections of religion, politics, and gender in the Italian context, the paper reveals the dangers of instrumentalizing religion for ideological purposes. It concludes by calling for a critical reevaluation of religion's role in promoting social cohesion, justice, and inclusivity, offering pathways to disentangle authentic religious teachings from the constraints of partisan narratives.