Two socialists and their daughters (1890-1945)

Giovanni Zibordi and Camillo Prampolini were the most representative deputies of 'reformist' socialism in a city that was a symbol of the movement and the Italian Socialist Party (Reggio Emilia). Both were fathers of an only child: Pierina Prampolini (raised by her aunt) and Freja Zibordi (raised by her illiterate mother). Both formally unmarried, they had a rather peculiar relationship with their daughters: after an inner journey (linked to political militancy), Giovanni was able to accept and protect his daughter's homosexuality, who remained his fundamental political interlocutor, as well as his 'infiltrator' from his former college, when he fled due to a fascist attack. Prampolini also had an anomalous relationship with his daughter, whom he protected in place of her mother (who died prematurely), spoiling her and even thinking of supporting her professionally. Despite the fact that in the public debate they held different positions on the "women's question", which seemed to contradict their daily lives (Prampolini more radical, Zibordi more "attentive" and cautious, especially on issues related to women's sexuality and political role, to the point of appearing paternalistic), they developed an extremely interesting relationship with their daughters. This attitude is typical of many socialists (revolutionary and otherwise) at a time when women could not vote but had some influence in cultural and political debate. After the fall of fascism, both women were among the founders of the (later) Democratic and Pro-Atlantic Socialist Party. The communication is largely based on archival documents.