The concept of 'family' constitutes a fundamental, formative element of Italian socio-cultural identity; an element that is largely defined by the state, the Catholic Church and dominant social norms. Drawing on relevant critical publications and locating cultural texts in their social, historical and political context, this module analyses representations of the Italian family and relationships within this at key moments during the twentieth century, identifying when and how the traditional model is subverted or unravels. Texts studied provide a lens to explore the impact of broad historico-political phenomena on the individual.