Democratic education and gender pedagogy in postwar republican italy

Abstract

This article analyses the evolution of democratic education and gender pedagogy in Italy starting from the 1950s, highlighting their interconnection within the historical, political, and cultural context of the post war period. Through a critical reading of popular sources, essays, and educational practices, the article investigates the transformations of the Italian school system and public discourse in relation to the principles of equality and freedom of gender expression. It explores the role of schools and extracurricular systems in promoting active and informed citizenship, with particular attention to the gradual introduction of gender-related topics into curricula and educational policies. Both cultural resistance and turning points emerge, revealing how social debate on educational issues can contribute to the construction of a more inclusive, critical, and democratic society through the recognition of differences and the valorisation of identities.