In Italy, the issue of immigration played a major role in the public debate that preceded the 4 March 2018 elections. This extremely polarised debate included, among other themes, the criminalisation of solidarity and the excessive simplification of complex phenomena.
Like other European countries, Italy is increasingly concerned about national identity and belonging, the interaction between migrants and the host society, and the loss of control over its southern borders. However, despite the widespread belief that immigration has negative repercussions on the country, a significant percentage of the Italian population shows solidarity and empathy towards foreigners.
This is one of the results highlighted by the study "Understanding the 'Worried Centre' in Italy". The study, commissioned by the Social Change Initiative in partnership with More in Common, examines the national political debate, the dynamics of the public opinion and the response of the civil society in five countries: Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Greece. In Italy, the research was conducted by Ipsos.
Liberties member the Italian Coalition for Civil Rights and Liberties (CILD) decided to become a partner in the project and presented a preview of the study during the International Journalism Festival in Perugia.
Breakdown of the Italian population
The research has identified seven “segments” in Italian society: people belonging to each segment have different ideas with regard to identity and belonging, and share "open" or "closed" values about immigration, refugees and diversity. In Italy, the degree of diversification in the opinions of the population is higher than in the other three countries covered by the earlier studies carried out by More in Common.
The individuals belonging to two of the segments show more open values and are more supportive towards migrants (28% of the population); while two other segments have more closed values and are opposed to any category newcomers (24% of the population). The remaining three segments (48% of the population in total) belong to what is sometimes referred to as "undecided centre" or "worried centre”. Excluding some distinctive features that characterise the public opinion in Italy, in general terms these results are consistent with the studies conducted in France, Germany and the Netherlands.
In all the countries involved, a substantial percentage of the population has been identified as belonging to the “intermediate” group, which does not fully share the opinions of either one or the other “peripheral” segments.
Cultural identity in danger and growing dissatisfaction
The research confirms various elements that are part of the daily narrative about Italy: the widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo, a deep mistrust in the elites and the overwhelming belief that globalisation has had a negative impact on the country and its economy. The frustration for the political situation can be inferred from the very high percentage (73%) of those who believe that traditional parties and politicians do not care about ordinary citizens. Sixty percent of the Italians think that the society has worsened during the last year and 43% predicts that in the next five years the situation will keep worsening. Despite concerns about the management and impact of migration flows, however, most Italians do not hold an extremist position with respect to migrants.
Many Italians remain willing to welcome foreigners, including immigrants and refugees, and the overwhelming majority (72%) believes in the right of asylum and the right of these people to find refuge in other countries, including Italy.
This research represents a starting point: by listening to and understanding in a more effective way the several different positions of the Italian citizens, it will be possible to develop a new narrative on these issues in question, mobilise the Italian population and build a more inclusive, strong, and open society.
