Integrating to the bottom? Insights into the changing nature of the (Italian) integration model (original) (raw)

Abstract

In Italy, like in the other southern European countries, the impact of the economic crisis has been particularly severe. We can hence expect that its impact on integration dynamics is also relevant. In this paper, we try to identify possible structural changes in integration patterns in Italy and to highlight the theoretical and conceptual implications by drawing inspiration from American literature on assimilation. Specifically, following Gans’ literature review, our analysis starts from theories’ lack of attention for the effects of economic downturns and downward mobility on integration and the consequent bias which can hamper the study of integration in the current economic crisis. In order to cope with that, drawing mainly from Portes and Esser’s theories, we point out possible paths of integration based on changes in socio-economic conditions and in salience of ethnic boundaries, including those paths which may occur in a context of economic downturn. We then test these paths ...

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