So Close, So Far. The Cultural Distance of Foreigners in Italy

Abstract The presence of foreigners in a host country is contentious issue: opponents claim, among other things, that the cultural distance between them and natives too large to permit integration. However, it impossible ascertain whether this true absence clear, standardised system for measuring (whether be by nationality, length stay, educational level, etc.). In paper, we argue recently proposed method, called DBS or Distance Between Strata, fits scope. We present methodology under new light, investigate several its properties, apply two Italian surveys 2011–13. Results indicate, first, no group homogeneous: Italians, instance, display clear North South gradient. Second, are not all equally culturally distant from natives: ranking their distances largely conforms expectation. Finally, Italians with foreign origin are, as expected, close tout court, which suggests convergence taking place.