Chronicles of ordinary racism 2011 - Cronache di ordinario razzismo

more frequently than their extended families (28.5%) or associations and private
organisations (17.6%).
The higher incidence of financial and housing difficulties for these households with at
least one foreign member have their roots in the inequality of treatment that
characterises the inclusion of foreign nationals in the labour market and their access to
housing. It is common knowledge that even when a regular work contract has been
signed, a foreigner will be most likely be paid less than an Italian who performs the
same tasks; as, indeed, is the fact that foreign workers tend to be directed towards the
areas of the labour market with a higher incidence of work in the black economy
(agriculture, construction, the hospitality and catering sector). Lower incomes have a
direct impact on the quality of housing in a country devoid of public housing policies,
with consequent high rental prices. The presence of many individuals in the same
appartment and the acceptance a poor quality of upkeep become a necessity for many
foreign citizens. A necessity that all too frequently is seen as an excuse for large‐scale
speculation or as an opportunity for discriminatory behaviour on the part of landlords
or estate agents who decide that they wish to rent their properties “to Italian citizens
only”.
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