🇮🇹ap italian review
2.3 Gender Roles and Italian Products
Verified for the 2025 AP Italian exam•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
Gender Roles
In the past, women were seen as exclusively homemakers, but the times have changed in Italy and this belief and stereotype is no longer representative of the state and cultural ideas of the nation. More women work outside of the home and have jobs similar to that of men, but gender equity is still not perfect, and there is more work to be done...
Following the USA...
- American women received more opportunities prior to the Italian women
- There are more laws in American society to protect women
- The change is more rapid in the United States, and women have a greater voice
- Large focus on individualism and equality between men and woman
+++ for Italy and USA
- The level of equity (parità di genere) is increasing as the countries continue to advance
- Greater # of women represented in government
- Expansion of laws to protect women from violence
- There are events, marches, parties, etc. to celebrate women's opportunities 🥁 🎊
- The mentality of men is changing
Italian Products
Due to the mountainous and rocky terrain that is prevalent, agriculture can be difficult in the nation. So, Italy turned its attention toward the manufacturing sector. It is one of the largest exporters in the world, and is famous for its fashion and food (Armani, Valentino, Versace, Prada, FIAT, pizza, pasta, gelato...). This demand for high quality and premium products has allowed Italy to find its niche in the global marketplace.
- Exports: machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, metals, furniture, clothing
- Imports: minerals, vehicles, machinery, plastics, steel, organic chemicals'
Unfortunately, the demand for excellence has created a major problem throughout Italy, where the economy is being drained by individuals who use the idea of "Made in Italy" to illegally sell Italian goods.
Counterfeiting
The sellers use specific words, colors, and images to try to deceive the consumers and sell fake products to different markets (often to Americans)
- Common "Italian" products include parmigiana, wine, prosciutto, pasta
- Other items: cosmetics, jewelry, electronics
- Products are sold at low prices, but are of lower quality than name-face brands
- Lombardo is the central region for the market of counterfeited goods
- Counterfeiting damages the economy of Italy because it creates a high level of crime, and the locals do not earn as much off of their items
- The police try to confiscate the goods, but the problem is increasing because technology/social media has connected people all over the world
Strive for Five Vocab
- Sfruttare - to take advantage of
- Sequestare - to confiscate
- Arrestare - to arrest
- Spacciare - to sell illegally
- Il marchio - brand name
- Il prodotto falsificato - fake product
- Il mercato del falso - trafficking of false products
- Lo sfruttamento - exploitation
- A prezzi modici/stellari - low/high cost
- Contraffatto/a - counterfeit, imitated
- Qualità inferiore/superiore - low/high quality
- Acquistare - to purchase
- La merce - goods, merchandise
- Illecito/a - illegal
Key Terms to Review (12)
Arrestare: Arrestare means 'to arrest' or 'to stop' in Italian. This term is significant as it encompasses both the literal act of detaining someone and the broader implications of halting or restricting behaviors and societal norms, which can reflect the changing dynamics of gender roles and the influence of Italian products on culture and identity.
Illecito/a: Illecito/a refers to something that is illegal or unlawful, typically violating established laws or regulations. This term is often used in discussions about morality, ethics, and legality, especially in the context of activities or practices that challenge social norms. The implications of illecitous actions can significantly impact societal perceptions of gender roles and the production and marketing of Italian products.
Il mercato del falso: Il mercato del falso refers to the illegal trade of counterfeit goods, including clothing, accessories, and luxury items that mimic genuine brands. This market thrives on the desire for high-quality products at lower prices, leading to significant economic impacts on both legitimate businesses and consumers. The phenomenon often intersects with gender roles, as marketing strategies frequently target specific demographics, influencing how products are perceived based on societal expectations and norms.
Il marchio: Il marchio, or 'the brand,' refers to a distinctive symbol, name, or logo used by a company to identify its products and differentiate them from competitors. In the context of gender roles and Italian products, il marchio plays a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions, influencing purchasing decisions, and reflecting societal values associated with masculinity and femininity.
Il prodotto falsificato: Il prodotto falsificato refers to counterfeit goods that are made to imitate genuine products, typically with the intent to deceive consumers into believing they are purchasing the real thing. These products can span various categories, including fashion, electronics, and luxury items, often affecting brand integrity and consumer trust. The issue of counterfeiting ties into economic concerns and gender roles, as the production and sale of fake goods can disproportionately impact women in certain sectors of the economy.
Lo sfruttamento: Lo sfruttamento refers to the exploitation or unfair treatment of individuals, often in a labor context, where workers are used for profit without proper compensation or regard for their rights. This term is particularly relevant in discussions about social and economic inequalities, highlighting the disparities that exist in various industries, including those tied to gender roles and the production of Italian goods.
Made in Italy: Made in Italy is a label that signifies products manufactured in Italy, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. This term embodies the ideals of quality, style, and tradition that are synonymous with Italian goods, connecting to advancements in technology, standards of beauty, and the influence of gender roles on the production of Italian products.
Parità di genere: Parità di genere, or gender equality, refers to the equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of individuals regardless of their gender. This concept is crucial in addressing societal norms and biases that dictate traditional roles, especially in contexts like family dynamics and workplace environments. Achieving gender equality involves challenging stereotypes and ensuring equal access to resources, including those related to Italian products and industries.
Qualità inferiore/superiore: Qualità inferiore/superiore refers to the perceived lower or higher quality of products, services, or experiences. This concept often reflects consumer perceptions and market positioning, which can be influenced by factors such as branding, craftsmanship, and cultural associations. Understanding this term helps in analyzing how gender roles can affect consumer preferences and how Italian products are marketed based on their quality perception.
Sequestare: Sequestare means to seize or confiscate something, often in a legal context. This term can be connected to the way gender roles manifest in Italian society, particularly in the context of economic power and control. It can also relate to Italian products, especially when discussing issues of ownership, production rights, and the regulation of goods within a legal framework.
Sfruttare: Sfruttare refers to the act of exploiting or taking advantage of someone or something for personal gain. This concept is often linked to social dynamics, particularly in the context of power imbalances and economic inequalities, which can affect gender roles and influence the production and marketing of Italian products.
Spacciare: Spacciare means to deal or peddle, often in the context of illegal activities, such as drug dealing. This term can highlight issues related to societal norms and the role of gender, as various studies show that men and women may be engaged in these activities differently due to societal expectations. It also connects to the economic aspect, where certain Italian products may be illegally marketed, affecting both the local economy and cultural perceptions.