Women of the family, women of the nation

Abstract

Abstract Slavic-speaking women in Greek Macedonia have played a central role in twentieth century Greek nation-building efforts in the region. The Greek authorities have long recognized the importance of women's influence over the socialization and enculturation of children, and have made Slavo-Macedonian women the focus of a protracted effort to cultivate a sense of Greek national identity among Slavic-speakers of the area. This article examines transformations in Slavo-Macedonian family organization in the Florina District of Greek Macedonia following incorporation into the expanding Greek nation-state in 1913. It explores the roles played by women in these changes, and the impact this process has had on the creation of a Greek national consciousness that has come to supersede notions or memories of a distinctive ethnic or cultural identity.