A case of missed alliance? The relation between feminist movements and institutional actors in the Italian context

This research delves into the distinctive gender regime in Italy, labeled "public-conservative" (Alonso, Ciccia, and Lombardo, 2023), in contrast to the institutional developments witnessed by most post-industrial states responding to second-wave feminism challenges (Outshoorn and Kantola, 2007). Examining the Italian context, our work uncovers the complex relationship between institutional actors and feminist movements in the country. Institutions, on the one hand, do a poor job of speaking with movements and addressing women's issues. Nevertheless, feminist actors continue to hold an anti-institutional, historically grounded position that criticizes representative politics and institutional power. Conducted within the Horizon project FIERCE (Feminist Movements Revitalizing Democracy in Europe), this study relies on 30 interviews with feminist activists and parliamentary figures in Italy. The findings unveil a complex landscape: parliamentary actors exhibit a scattered approach to gender policies and seek alliances with feminist movements, while feminist groups display a fragmented and contentious stance towards direct engagement with institutions. This dynamic is evident in specific policy debates, such as those concerning gender-based violence and LGBT rights. The argument of the paper builds on the “public conservative” interpretation of the Italian gender regimes, by exploring the lack of State feminism and development of gender policies. The exploration of two interconnected dynamics sheds light on this phenomenon, offering insights into the intricate relationship between institutions, feminist movements, and the development of gender policies in the Italian context.