Traditional gender theories suggest that there are certain intrinsic characteristics that are masculine and feminine. However, there are many forms of either. Because these are gender identities, they are not biologically pre-determined. Instead, they are shaped by socio-cultural processes. What is defined as feminine or masculine differs by culture and other social factors. Furthermore, distinctions between the two are often arbitrary and artificial.

This panel would like to explore the concepts of gender roles, and how these are becoming more and more fluid. We invite contributions about femininities and masculinities in literature, theater, film, and other symbolic productions in Italy.