Abstract

This thesis explores women’s experiences in far-right societies using multiple theological assessments and prime minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, as the main test case. Elected in 2022 but having held right-wing leadership positions for most of her life, Meloni is opposed to issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and surrogacy, and aims to limit these rights as well as the rights of women and other minorities in Italy with the goal of reverting back to Italy’s traditional, Christian lifestyle. This thesis delves into issues such as feminism, fascism, and the far-right – situating and defining Meloni’s beliefs and political actions and detailing how they are impacting Italian women’s experiences. This research determines if Meloni is adhering to some type of feminism, if her government can be considered fascist, and it pinpoints how much of her politics is taking place online, as well as certain repercussions that come with this. Using a comparative methodological approach, this thesis compares Meloni and her party to other female right-wing politicians in Europe, as well as other right-wing politicians in North America, at present. This research draws on political theology since religion has made its way into her politics. Thus, it is essential to perform theological assessments on Meloni to determine her method as well as if her views are rooted in accurate theological ideas. Here, contextual theology, Lonergan’s notion of the human good, and feminist theological approaches are vital. Through these theological assessments, this thesis concludes that Meloni is afraid for her country’s cultural identity and believes she is doing good by women and minorities but is allowing for oppression in Italy to continue.