The “Casalinga di Voghera” has become a symbol of our times, a benchmark in contemporary collective imagination, representing ignorance and cultural aridity. But it has also become a symbol of popular redemption and culture, bridging the gap between the low and the high, embodying the socio-cultural post-contemporary system. The figure was created by TV authors, presenters, intellectuals, and writers to cater to the less educated, creating TV shows and cultural products that she could understand and appreciate. Paola Zanin Concati, the president of the Association “Casalinghe di Voghera”, recently passed away at the age of 76, challenging the stereotype that these women were uneducated and uncultured.
Traditionally attributed to Alberto Arbasino, the appearance of the “Casalinga di Voghera” dates back to the 1960s, when it was used to describe a less educated group of women during a survey conducted by Rai in 1966. The term was also connected to Arbasino, who mentioned his Vogherese relatives in his writings, portraying them as embodying solid Lombard common sense. The journalistic slang adopted the term to simplify concepts for the masses. Paola Zanin founded the Association of Casalinghe di Voghera in the 1990s to counter the negative perceptions of these women perpetuated by snobbish cultural circles, especially during the rise of commercial TV in Italy.
Paola Zanin was actively involved in defending her colleagues and advocating for their respect and recognition. As president of the association, she was a dedicated figure who participated in various TV shows to highlight the positive aspects of being a housewife. The mayor of Voghera praised Zanin for her commitment to improving women’s conditions and community welfare, emphasizing her dedication and strength. The legacy of Paola Zanin will continue to inspire others through her work and love shared with the community, as per the mayor’s statement.
The Casalinga di Voghera persona represents a conservative, narrow-minded, and politically conservative woman, a typical small-town woman from post-war Italy. Through her traditional weekly menu, Saturday grocery shopping, and Sunday mass attendance, she embodies the habits of a typical housewife. Despite being a reflection of a bygone era, the character of the Casalinga di Voghera continues to survive beyond its original representation. The President of Lombardy Region also paid tribute to Paola Zanin, acknowledging her role in representing dedicated women who are the backbone of the family.
The legacy of Paola Zanin and the figure of Casalinga di Voghera continue to be remembered and celebrated for their role in challenging stereotypes and advocating for the recognition of housewives. Despite the criticisms and denigrations faced by this persona, they have served as a symbol of strength, dedication, and community welfare. Through her work with the Association of Casalinghe di Voghera, Paola Zanin was able to showcase the positive aspects of being a housewife and provide a platform for the voices of women in similar roles. Her impact will continue to inspire and resonate within the community.
