Context Clues

Bologna is one of the major Italian cities witnessing a demographic change. In fact, a significant increase in population was the sign of a high-intensity migratory movement occurring in the decade 2001-2011. People have not only moved to Bologna from Italy itself, especially from the Southern part, but also from other countries. As a result, about 2/3 of Bolognese people were not born in the city. As Bologna is located at the center of Italy, both geographically and economically, it is crucial for a good understanding of Italian change to understand how receptive Bologna has been and is from the point of view of migration.

The hope is that xChange will let new generations of Italians with different ethnic backgrounds or with immigrant stories to “see” themselves in a piece of archeological and sociological history.

Concerning the people who have moved to Bologna from foreign countries, it is possible to individuate two macro areas of origin--Eastern Europe (Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, Poland) and Asia (Bangladesh, Philippines, Pakistan, China). Although the main reason to move to Italy is work-related, it is still difficult for many Italians to process such diversification of the population and the emergence of new needs. Apart from the fact that some popular political parties invite people to despise other cultures, it is also a matter of social inclusion in each person's everyday life.
Piazzola is center stage for the variety of economic, demographic and cultural change related to immigration. Many of the Italians that used to work at the market left their job due to high taxes and the economic crisis. They were replaced by foreigners who didn't have problems working in difficult conditions. As a result, some "Bolognese" -- that is, multiple generation Bolognese-- avoid shopping there because they fear it has become less authentic than before. Some complain about the noise, the quality of the clothes or the new types of objects sold.
The choice of showing different media tools, especially the possibility of a filter search on Google Reviews and an RSS feed of news related to Piazzola, makes it easier to understand the social perceptions in and of the market.

Here you can find an RSS feed of the latest news including the word "Piazzola" in the newspaper "Bologna Today":

Stand Exhibition < > #piazzolabologna