The Outsiders. West African migrants and xeno-racism in northern Italy

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2016-08-26

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en

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Prejudice towards migrants has probably existed since the first migrants arrived in Italy. This study explores how West African migrants in Italy experience xeno-racism and if these experiences influence their desire to either stay in Italy or migrate elsewhere. It builds on existing literature on the topics of migration and mobility on the one hand, and xenophobia and racism on the other. It also draws on interviews with West African migrants in and around Milan. The findings from this study show that xeno-racism does not look like an important factor in migrants’ decision-making at first glance. Looking deeper, though, we see that xeno-racism influences migrants’ lives in many – sometimes indirect or hidden – ways. Because of xeno-racism, migrants do not get the same (economic) opportunities as the native population. For many, that could be a reason to want to leave Italy and search for a place with better opportunities. Xeno-racism prevents migrants from developing to their full potential. The paradox is that Italian society needs migrants on the labour market, but that they are unwanted and unwelcome at the same time. Looking closely and critically at xeno-racism is therefore not only important for the lives of migrants, but for Italy as well.

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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen