Analysis on the Gender Implications of Pro-natalist Policies and Discourses: A Case Study of Fratelli d’Italia
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The total fertility rate (TFR) in Italy is one of the lowest in the European Union, which makes politicians discuss and adopt pro-natalist instruments and population policies. One of the political parties that remain vocal for preserving familial values is Fratelli d’Italia. In light of FdI gaining the largest support in the 2022 general election, this paper analyzes the pro-natalist policies and discourses of FdI and examines their gender implications. This paper draws on a qualitative assessment of pro-natalist measures supported by FdI before and during the 2022 general election, which reflects the party’s pro-natalism so far and provides an expectation for a potential policy trajectory in the future. The findings of this research suggest that FdI’s pro-natalist policies and discourses exhibit their particularity for advocating for active public spending and an external childcare model, which insinuates de-familizing effect. The party focuses on ensuring women’s economic activities but disproportionately focuses more on maternity in their pro-natalist discourses than paternity. Although these standpoints show differences with other right-wing and neoliberal rhetoric, FdI still discursively idealizes heterosexual, white families over same-sex civil unions or multiracial families. Thus, substantial focus on paternity and strengthening sensitivity regarding sexual orientation and race are required to improve equitability of welfare schemes.
Abstract
The total fertility rate (TFR) in Italy is one of the lowest in the European Union, which makes politicians discuss and adopt pro-natalist instruments and population policies. One of the political parties that remain vocal for preserving familial values is Fratelli d’Italia. In light of FdI gaining the largest support in the 2022 general election, this paper analyzes the pro-natalist policies and discourses of FdI and examines their gender implications. This paper draws on a qualitative assessment of pro-natalist measures supported by FdI before and during the 2022 general election, which reflects the party’s pro-natalism so far and provides an expectation for a potential policy trajectory in the future. The findings of this research suggest that FdI’s pro-natalist policies and discourses exhibit their particularity for advocating for active public spending and an external childcare model, which insinuates de-familizing effect. The party focuses on ensuring women’s economic activities but disproportionately focuses more on maternity in their pro-natalist discourses than paternity. Although these standpoints show differences with other right-wing and neoliberal rhetoric, FdI still discursively idealizes heterosexual, white families over same-sex civil unions or multiracial families. Thus, substantial focus on paternity and strengthening sensitivity regarding sexual orientation and race are required to improve equitability of welfare schemes.
참고문헌 (54)
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