Synopses & Reviews
Immigration is among the most contested issues in Western Europe. Studies commonly focus on political activity and the plight of minorities, but this book breaks new ground in its emphasis on the everyday reactions of Italians to immigration, nationalism and racism. Drawing on research carried out in Palermo, Jeffrey Cole considers the ambivalent responses of rich and poor Sicilians to immigrants. He places Italian attitudes in a European context, and investigates why anti-immigrant politics are concentrated in the wealthy Italian North.
Review
"The slim appearance of this monograph on Italian 'racial' attitudes toward immigrants from Africa and Asia belies its importance....Cole's work demonstrates the relevance of traditional anthropological research and perspectives in elucidating a contemporary social issue. This is a worthy addition to what continues to be the most distinguished series in social/cultural anthropology." Choice"This is a worthy addition to what continues to be the most distinguished series in social/cultural anthropology." Helen M. MacLam, Choice"The brevity of this monograph on Italian "racial" attitudes toward immigrants from Africa and Asia belies its importance....Cole's work demonstrates the relevance of traditional anthropological research and perspectives in elucidating a contemporary social issue." W. Arens, Choice"Jeffrey Cole's book is essential reading for scholars interested in studies of migration and racism in Europe and within Italian culture." Modern Italy"The book is sophisticated, clearly written, ethnographically interesting, and important. Its signifcance is clear." Journal of Modern Italian Studies"The New Racism in Europe...make[s] vital contributions to a set of issues of tremendous ethical and human import. They belong on the shelves of all college and public libraries and in the personal collections of experts in the field of immigration studies." Joseph A. Varacalli, International Migration Review
Synopsis
Ground breaking study of everyday attitudes to immigration, race, and nationalism in Italy.