This is one of the first overviews of the diverse experience of Italian women in the twentieth century. Willson explores the impact of social, political, economic, and cultural developments, highlighting the ways in which women of different social classes and regions were affected by, and helped to shape, historical change.
Focusing on the Massaie Rurali, this study explores the Fascist Party's organization for peasant women, which boasted three million members by 1943. It examines the significance of this group as one of the largest mass mobilizing organizations under the regime, shedding light on the role and impact of women in Fascist Italy. The book provides a comprehensive historical account, highlighting the unique experiences and contributions of these women within the broader context of Fascist policies and societal dynamics.