Care, Commoning and Feminine Approach. How the Culture of Care Could Contribute to the Future Debate in Turin

This study aims to analyze the contribution of a “feminine thought” in the creation of more inclusive and caring spaces capable of meeting the needs of various segments of the local population through a “female management” approach—primarily composed of active adult female citizens—of urban commons in Turin since the 2000s. To this end, the work is divided into three parts: a theoretical section, a methodological and case analysis section, and a concluding one. The first theoretical section focuses on reviewing the literature related to the theme of care in the urban context, with particular attention to a female model of action. This section is divided into two chapters: the first chapter focuses not only on understanding care as a model of action in cities but also on how such an approach can relate to an existing female perspective. The second chapter examines how this approach can relate to the theme of the commons, with particular attention to female participation and the creation of public policies that utilize care as a central focus in the management of commons. The second section involves a qualitative practical analysis of three case studies: the neighborhood house Bagni Pubblici di Via Agliè, the community concierge of Borgo San Paolo, and the collaboration pact Beeozanam community hub. A study that employs three qualitative sociological research tools: participant observation, visual research, and life-story/semi-structured interviews. Finally, the third section focuses on examining the relationship between care culture and care practices coming mainly froma feminine approach and the application of this knowledge and approach in urban and architectural spaces through urban policies that emphasize a care commoning. It outlines a series of essential aspects derived not only from the analyzed literature but also from the in situ study of inclusive spaces managed primarily by women. In conclusion, the topics addressed in this thesis, as well as the presented conclusive material, demonstrate how feminine perspectives and approaches related to care can be key instruments in the construction and care of active and supportive communities dedicated to creating and maintaining inclusive and caring spaces.