6. The role of women in Italian society under Mussolini
Women of all social strata, from the idle rich to factory workers and farmers, were viewed by the Fascists as victims which required rescuing from the position in which prior society had imprisoned them. The emancipation of women was viewed with alarm by Fascist doctrine. Italian Fascism stressed and adopted male virility as its doctrine and in its presentation to the populace. Strength and control were its core values, with the state both providing all and responsible for all. The new Italian woman was to exhibit the ideals of motherhood, serving as a provider and a consoler. Marriage and the raising of children who were taught the values of Fascism were stressed, to the point that single men of marriageable age were taxed by the state, the revenues from which were used to support social welfare programs directed at children.
Italian fascism presented classes for women aimed at making them better housekeepers and cooks, stressing the use of locally produced foods. The women in Italy were proved dietary programs by the state which was designed to support Italian agriculture. The consumption of bread and pasta, local produce and wine were encouraged, and the use of meat and dairy products (other than cheese) was discouraged by the state. Many formerly common food items disappeared from shops since they were not produced in Italy and economic policies rendered them no longer imported. In the 1930s a black market grew in Italy, in large part operated in the south of the country and Sicily by the mafia. At the same time, Fascist propaganda elevated the role of women in Italy, stressing their importance in establishing the welfare of the state by faithfully fulfilling their duties to the state.