Relationships in Modern Italy: 50 Years of Change

Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Over the last half-century, relationships in Italy have evolved dramatically, blending tradition with modernity in a uniquely Italian way. From the dominance of the Catholic Church to shifting social norms, these changes reflect broader cultural shifts that continue to shape Italian society.

The 1970s: Breaking from Tradition

The 1970s marked a major turning point for Italian relationships. Before this era, marriage was closely tied to religious traditions, and the Catholic Church had a strong influence on family life.

Divorce was illegal until 1970, and family roles were typically patriarchal—think the classic image of a big Italian family where "mamma" ruled the kitchen while "papa" made the decisions.

But the winds of change blew through Italy.

The introduction of divorce and a shift toward more progressive family laws transformed Italian family life.

The 1975 family law reform, which sought to balance the rights of spouses, was a key milestone. Italians were ready for change, and a 1974 referendum confirmed it, with nearly 60% voting to keep divorce legal.

1980s and 1990s: Redefining Roles

With more legal freedoms, Italians in the 80s and 90s began to embrace new family structures.

Economic shifts saw Italy moving from an agrarian to a more industrial economy, changing where and how families lived.

The country witnessed a steady decline in birth rates, with couples opting for smaller families or delaying having children.

Instead of having five or six siblings, many Italians now grew up with just one.

This period also saw women stepping into the workforce in greater numbers, changing the dynamic of traditional gender roles. While “mamma” was still a revered figure in Italian households, the modern Italian woman began to carve out space for her own career aspirations, reshaping what relationships looked like at home and in society.

2000s: Embracing Diversity and New Models

By the turn of the millennium, Italy had fully embraced a more diverse array of relationship models.

While marriage was still important, cohabitation without marriage became more common, as did blended families and single-parent households.

This shift was partly driven by economic challenges, including high youth unemployment and the soaring cost of living, which made it difficult for young couples to move out of their parents' homes and start independent lives​

In modern Italy, it's not unusual for adult children to live with their parents until their mid-30s, a phenomenon partly born out of necessity rather than choice. And while this might seem like a cozy arrangement, it sometimes puts stress on relationships—picture a romantic dinner interrupted by "mamma" offering to do your laundry!

Today: Tradition Meets Modernity

Fast forward to 2024, and Italian relationships reflect a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity.

The Italian birth rate remains one of the lowest in Europe, and many couples prioritize careers and stability over having children. According to ISTAT, the average age of first-time mothers has climbed past 30, highlighting how priorities have shifted.

Yet, Italians remain deeply family-oriented, cherishing close-knit bonds even as family structures diversify.

Extended Sunday lunches with the family, known as "pranzo della domenica," remain a cherished tradition, offering a taste of the old amidst the new. The concept of "la famiglia" is still strong—just with a few twists.

The Challenges of Balancing Old and New

One of the ongoing challenges in Italian relationships is balancing the traditional emphasis on family with newer, more progressive values.

While the influence of the Catholic Church has diminished, traditional views on gender roles and marriage still linger in some regions, especially in the South. In contrast, cities like Milan and Rome embrace more egalitarian ideals, fostering a blend of perspectives.

This duality often plays out in couples' lives: balancing the desire for modern independence with the expectations of aging parents who might still believe that a respectable Italian son should settle down and produce grandchildren. This push-and-pull between generations can make the family dinner table a site of passionate (and loud) debates.

The Future: Changing, but Still Italian at Heart

Looking ahead, Italian relationships will continue to evolve as the country faces new social and economic realities.

As Italy becomes more multicultural, with rising numbers of mixed-nationality couples and immigrant families, the definition of "family" in Italy will continue to expand. At the same time, core values—like maintaining close familial bonds and the importance of social gatherings—remain deeply rooted in the Italian psyche.

The story of relationships in Italy over the last 50 years is one of adaptation, where tradition and progress meet, and sometimes clash, over a bowl of pasta.

And if there's one thing that's certain, it’s that Italians will continue to navigate these changes with passion, humor, and an appreciation for the beautiful chaos that is life.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

ISTAT. (2023). Marriage and Family Trends in Italy. Retrieved from https://www.istat.it

Nascimbeni, P. (2020). Italian Families: Then and Now. Life in Italy. Retrieved from https://www.lifeinitaly.com

Life in Italy. (2020). Italian Families: The Changing Structure. Retrieved from https://www.lifeinitaly.com