Mediterraneità e violenza di prossimità

The emergence of a phenomenon only seemingly on the increase, which is in collision with a more general female emancipation, has prompted the author to reflect on the inadequacy of considering “gender violence” as a mere deviant variable of action itself, and how it can actually be deemed to be a truly “normalized” practice serving as a basis for relationships between couples. In this paper Ignazia Bartholini describes it as “proximal violence”, thus underlining the intimate character and air of trust that distinguishes it. It is not merely described in terms of procedural effect, but is analysed with regard to its cultural aspects, rooted in shame and honour in the Mediterranean area and is compared with the epochal crisis in masculine identity.