Growing up as German-speaking children in the context of fascist Italianization measures during the interwar period

Abstract

This paper studies what it was like to grow up in the German-speaking South Tyrol between 1922 and 1939, a time period that was significantly characterized by Italian Fascism. More specifically, one key focus was the analysis of how childhood models, ideals and concepts were recontextualized by the stakeholders of all relevant socialization authorities as well as state and Fascist institutions. A second focus was on the actions of the children themselves in dealing with the contrasting expectations and confrontations directed at them. The paper delivers an analysis of individually remembered and experienced aspects of childhood on the basis of the sources available.