L' integrazione come processo multi-dimensionale. Condizioni di vita e di lavoro degli immigrati

Keeping in mind the interactive and multi-dimensional nature of the integration process of immigrants in the societies of destination, this article has tried to investigate with the data of the census the structural and socio-economic dimensions of this phenomenon. The descriptive analysis is conducted employing as fundamental interpretative category the distinction between foreigners and naturalized citizens. Regarding the foreigners there is a further articulation between those born in Italy and those born abroad, distinguishing the latter according to the length of presence. The family conditions, living situation and labour insertion are examined by means of elementary indicators that are distinctively constructed by nationality, as well as resorting to techniques of multi-dimensional analysis of the data. Some of the results that have emerged stimulate further questions and point out, in any case, how difficult it is to attain a univocal overall framework. In particular, one must ask if the clear advantage in terms of integration detected among the naturalized citizens must be interpreted as the result of a successful process of integration or it is related to the difficulty of acquiring the citizenship in the Italian context. Moreover, the stabilization of presence is not always accompanied by the attainment of better life and labour conditions. This works also with reference to the different aspects of the same dimension: for example, labour stability is often placed in alternative to an occupation adequate to one's educational qualifications.