Abstract
Emigration is considered by sociologists an activity that has existed since the beginning of human life, occurs during modern times, and will most likely continue in the future. Having immigrated twice to the United States, I had a natural interest to investigate and learn more about Italian emigration, with particular attention to the current situation. Through the reading of books, journal and newspaper articles, and listening to the news on both Italian and American television, I was able to collect reliable information, which has guided me in writing this personal and historical account of Italian emigration. This thesis explores the exodus of millions of Italians, particularly of those living in the south, covering the following major periods: the Great Atlantic Wave emigration from Italy to the United States from the 1880s to the 1920s; the emigration from Italy to other European countries, the Americas, and Oceania following WWII to the 1960s; and the current exodus of many young educated Italians, called “the brain drain” by sociologists. This study also delves into the unexpected wave of immigration mainly from Eastern Europe and North Africa, that began to affect Italy from the 1970 and continues to date. From my own personal experience, including that of family and friends, and from the findings of sociologists, the study investigates those factors that lead to the acculturation and assimilation of immigrants to the receiving country. In trying to understand Italy’s current situation, this study further probes into the many problems the country faces in the 21st century and explores possible solutions to manage, on the one hand, the incessant wave of emigration from Northern African countries and, on the other, the constant exodus of young educated people from Italy.