Women in a Southern Italian-Canadian subculture: sexuality and socialization

Talarico, Frances (2003) Women in a Southern Italian-Canadian subculture: sexuality and socialization. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis examines issues of sexuality and socialization among young women in a Southern Italian-Canadian community. How are sexuality and socialization experienced and expressed, and how are conflicts negotiated? The study focuses on the young women's perceptions of the Southern Italian-Canadian upbringing of girls, attitudes about sexuality and socialization in their community and the impact of these attitudes on life choices. -- The study is based on eleven in-depth interviews conducted with second and third generation Southern Italian-Canadian women. The topics explored are: the issues of autonomy experienced by these women, and their socialization with regard to virginity, sexuality, marriage and family; whether heterosexist and hetero-normative expectations exist for Southern Italian-Canadian women; how these women explain their experiences, justify their lifestyle decisions, and negotiate the divide between their two cultures. -- It was found that this group of Southern Italian-Canadian women experience repression of their sexuality and independence. This is evident from the participants' narratives regarding their struggles with oppressive old world traditions, expectations, and ideals found in that community.

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