The Italian Superwoman

The “Italian Superwoman” is a special class of its own. We have been researching important health aspects of various women in Florence and have had the pleasure of speaking to several exceptional women. Some are partners, wives, or mothers, while others are workers and/or part-time students. Much like the Italian culture, these women never stop working. It can genuinely be a hardship for women who wish to obtain employment. The current economy makes it particularly challenging for couples to determine whether they have the financial means to have a child. The cost of raising a child is increasing, which in return discourages women who work from having a child (“Italian mothers - ProQuest,” n.d.). Today’s economy forces many to get a demanding job rather than start a family and have children. For those who do have a family, it is common for middle-aged parents to take care of their children as well as their parents. In the United States, this is called a “Sandwich Generation” (Parker & Patten, 2013). Italian women typically go to the market at least twice a week keep up with the house on top of that. These women truly do it all!

The real question is, how do Italian women do it? Women continually have to balance duties at home, their job, as well as social and family roles. During my early mornings exploring the city, I have observed quite a few mothers out and about at the park, the market, or even just on a stroll with their children. The tenacious attitudes of these Italian women we see in Florence are truly notable. I think more times than not, it is better not to focus on all the hard work ahead. If we do not waste time and energy to mull over all of the work, we have a significantly higher probability of accomplishing everything. The Italian women have shown us that this is attainable. It takes a unique mindset to be able to be a “Superwoman.” The day and all of its demands cannot defeat her. She is the face you see at the market or on the streets. She is a worker, friend, sister, daughter, wife or mother. She is a Superwoman.

This post was written by Holly Jones, a senior at Purdue University. She is studying Developmental and Family Science with a concentration in Occupational Therapy, and a special concentration in children. She aspires to work in a rehabilitation clinic for people with developmental disabilities and occupational needs.

Italian mothers - ProQuest. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2017, from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.lib.purdue.edu/docview/217459632?rfr_id=info%3Axri%2Fsid%3Aprimo
Parker, K., & Patten, E. (2013, January 30). The Sandwich Generation. Retrieved July 21, 2017, from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/01/30/the-sandwich-generation/