Neo-fascist ‘alternative media’ and the representation of women: A case study of CasaPound Italia

In this article, I examine how one of the most visible neo-fascist social movements in Italy (CasaPound Italia, CPI) represents women and women’s issues on its own ‘alternative media’. Through this analysis, I explore key elements of the communication strategies of this organization, as well as its discourse regarding women. The ideological construction of the role of women in extreme right organizations is central to understanding their broader world-view and, I argue, offers a critical lens for analysing their media. I draw from critical discourse studies to explore a variety of media and communicative texts, including CPI’s policy documents, their introductory pamphlet, selected flyers (online and distributed during street events) and social media posts. The findings highlight the contradictions this movement faces in conceptualizing women’s roles in society. The article concludes with reflections on the challenges of conducting research with extreme right activists.