O Censis Report 2024, released this Friday (06), points out that 57,4% of Italians feel threatened by immigrants who introduce cultural practices that are different from the country's traditional lifestyle, such as the separation of men and women in public spaces or the use of the full Islamic veil.
We also pack any 38,3% of the population considers those who defend greater ease for the entry of immigrants to be a threat, while 29,3% they see as “enemies” those who promote family models that differ from the traditional ones.
According to the authors of the study (read here), these cultural differences can generate social fractures which, if left untreated, can lead to open conflicts.
Intolerance and cultural divisions
The report presents a worrying picture of the perception of diversity in Italy:
- 21,8% they consider people of different religions as enemies;
- 21,5% feel rivalry towards people of other ethnicities;
- 14,5% show prejudice against people with different skin colors;
- 11,9% reject individuals with sexual orientations different from their own.
These numbers reflect the view of a portion of society that associates national identity with a homogeneous origin, reinforcing a feeling of nationalist exclusivity.
Challenges for the political class
The report raises alarm bells for the Italian political class, especially at a time of debates about reform of the Italian citizenship law.
With the inclusion of about 1,5 million new citizens In the last decade, Italy has led the European Union in granting and recognizing citizenship, highlighting cultural and social concerns in the country.
