Moralism, Identity, and Individualism in Italian Political Communication

Italy’s complex history in the twentieth century has led to distrust of the establishment and an increased sense of insecurity accompanied by an ambivalent blend of a conservative perspective of reality along with strong individualism. These feelings have been exploited by right- and left-wing political parties and movements through a populist reading of the state of affairs, and a moralistic view of social relations. Right-wing populism that prevails today works to preserve identity and aims at reinforcing a sovereign-based imaginary, intolerant of globalization. Its central ethical category is “the people,” seen as a community whose national identity is guaranteed by a security approach to the immigration phenomenon. Leftwing populism manifests itself differently, often through radical proposals regarding individual choice in such issues as legalization of soft drugs, assisted suicide, and special safeguards for the rights of LGBTQIA+ – also inspired by politically correct ideology based on universalistic ethics. Thus, a strong contradiction emerges between the political poles, recalling the contrast between a strict father style of parenting as opposed to nurturing parent models.