The regulation of public morality and eugenics: a productive alliance between the Catholic Church and Italian Fascism. Issue 3 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pozzi, Lucia
• Is Part Of: Modern Italy. Volume 25:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 317
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: eugenics, -- Vatican, -- Fascism, -- morality, -- birth control, -- anti-feminism; Italy -- History -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Italy -- Politics and government -- 20th century -- Periodicals; 945.092
• DOI: 10.1017/mit.2020.37
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-2944

Abstract

Abstract : Historical research acknowledges only cursorily the Catholic contribution to eugenics. Yet there is a substantial link between Catholic discourses on morality and the emergence of Italian eugenics. In this essay I argue that sexual normalisation was a key source of consensus. Masculine and patriarchal values strengthened the strategic collaboration between Fascist demographic policies, the Italian interpretation of eugenics, and Catholic doctrine. I draw on archival and printed material to show that the control of public morality and the support for reproduction met both Catholic and Fascist interests. In particular, I focus on the alliance between the State and the Catholic Church working against 'the contraceptive mentality'. Mussolini wanted to stimulate religious sentiment as a basis for the fight against depopulation. The Catholic Church desired a set of laws against immorality, birth control and abortion. In this way, Fascism and the Catholic Church found a solid cultural agreement around restoring traditional mores, patriarchal values, and gender hierarchy.