In the last twenty years, immigration has become one of the most contested issues in Western Europe. The arrival of Africans, Asians, Eastern Europeans and others in Italy has reversed earlier trends of emigration. Debate, political activity and violence have raised questions of rejection and integration, of anti-racism and the new racism. Studies of these issues 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 and related issues. Drawing on research carried out in Palermo, Jeffrey Cole considers the role of class, culture, local history and political economy in the ambivalent responses of Sicilians to immigrants. He places Italian attitudes in a European context, and investigates why anti-immigrant politics are concentrated in the wealthy Italian North.

‘… Cole’s work demonstrates the relevance of traditional anthropological research and perspectives in elucidating a contemporary social issue.’

Source: Choice

‘The book is sophisticated, clearly written, ethnographically interesting, and important. Its significance is clear.’

Source: Journal of Modern Italian Studies

‘Jeffrey Cole’s book is essential reading for scholars interested in studies of migration and racism in Europe and within Italian culture.’

Source: Modern Italy