🇮🇹ap italian review
1.2 Housing and Immigration
Verified for the 2025 AP Italian exam•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
Immigration
The population in Italy is declining, so immigration is one of the major concerns for the people and the government. The Italian leaders try to promote immigration from other European countries and from individuals escaping persecution or war, but at the same time, thousands of Italian natives leave for personal reasons, job opportunities, to follow family ties, and more...
- È molto difficile trovare lavoro in Italia, quindi molti giovani emigrano nelle fabbriche di Inghilterra, Belgio, Francia e Germania. Si trasferiscono anche negli Stati Uniti perché credono che sia la terra delle opportunità
- Il numero di stranieri che vivono in Italia è circa il 9% della popolazione. Dall'espansione dell'Unione Europea, la maggior parte delle persone da paesi vicini o negli ultimi anni, in Asia
- La regione più popolare per gli immigrati è la Lombardia perché sebbene i costi della vita siano alti, è la capitale finanziaria del paese e ci sono molte opportunità di lavoro
Housing
Unlike in the United States, Italian homes are usually much smaller and contain fewer electronics and products. The houses are very compact, but most contain a kitchen, at least one bedroom, a living room, a dining room, and two bathrooms.
One of the biggest topics on the AP exam is the debate over WHERE to live...
City (città) vs Suburbs (periferia) vs Rural (compagne)
città
- Many activities (+)—go to the bar, eat at a restaurant, frequent the city center, etc.
- Access to technology and different stores (+)
- Public transportation (+)
- The people are very diverse (+)
- Fast-paced lifestyle and can be stressful (-)
- High levels of pollution, crime, traffic, and garbage (-)
periferia
- More space—people can have a big yard (+)
- Fewer people—more relaxed and laid-back (+)
- Strong sense of community (+)
- Fewer restaurants, stores, and entertainment (-)
- Decreased privacy (-)
compagne
- Living space—airy, comfortable, greenery (+)
- Less emphasis on money, social status, title (+)
- Decreased air pollution and waste (+)
- Fewer job opportunities—focus on agriculture (-)
- Difficulties in accessing health services, education, entertainment (-)
- Weaker infrastructure (-)
Strive for Five Vocab 🔑 🔑
- L'abitazione - housing
- Il monolocale - studio apartment
- Il box - garage
- I doppi servizi - two bathrooms
- L'arredo - decor
- Gli elementi irrinunciabile - essential elements
- L'arredamento - furniture
- Vivere meglio - to live better
- La qualità di vita - quality of life
- L'inquinamento - pollution
- La criminalità - crime
- La salute - health/well-being
- Intrattenimento - entertainment
- Costoso/a - expensive
- Lo stile di vita - lifestyle
- Il rapporto - relationship
- Il Rustico - country
- Essere felice - to be happy
- Extracomunitario/a - non European- Permesso di soggiorno - residency permit- Mercato del lavoro - job market- L'immigrazione - immigration- L'emigrazione - emigration- Il Migrante - migrant- Multiculturalità - multiculturalism- Straniero/a - foreign
Key Terms to Review (16)
I doppi servizi: I doppi servizi refers to a housing feature that includes two separate bathrooms within a residential unit. This setup is often sought after in larger homes or apartments to accommodate families or multiple occupants, allowing for more convenience and privacy in daily routines. The availability of doppi servizi is particularly important in urban areas where space is limited and the demand for comfortable living arrangements is high.
Il Rustico: Il Rustico refers to a type of rustic dwelling or farmhouse that is often associated with rural Italian architecture and lifestyle. These homes typically embody a simple, traditional style that reflects the agricultural heritage of Italy, serving as a representation of both housing and the cultural significance of rural life and immigration in Italy. They often symbolize a connection to the land and a way of living closely tied to nature, which can resonate with themes of immigration as people seek to return to their roots or preserve their heritage.
Il Migrante: Il Migrante refers to an individual who moves from one place to another, often crossing national borders, seeking better living conditions, economic opportunities, or safety from conflict. This term highlights the personal stories and challenges faced by migrants, including issues of housing and the complexities surrounding immigration policies and integration into new communities.
Il monolocale: Il monolocale is a type of small apartment characterized by a single room that serves multiple functions, typically combining living, sleeping, and kitchen areas into one open space. This style of housing is popular in urban areas where space is limited and offers an affordable option for individuals and couples, often reflecting the needs of modern lifestyles where simplicity and convenience are prioritized.
Intrattenimento: Intrattenimento refers to activities or experiences designed to hold the attention and interest of an audience, providing enjoyment and amusement. In the context of housing and immigration, it plays a significant role in cultural integration and community engagement, as it can serve as a bridge between diverse groups and help newcomers acclimate to their new environment.
La criminalità: La criminalità si riferisce all'insieme delle attività illegali che violano le leggi di un paese. È un fenomeno complesso che può variare da reati minori a crimini gravi, influenzato da fattori sociali, economici e politici. In molte società, la criminalità è spesso collegata a problemi come l'immigrazione e la mancanza di alloggi, creando sfide per le comunità e le autorità.
La qualità di vita: La qualità di vita refers to the overall well-being and standard of living experienced by individuals or communities, encompassing various factors such as economic stability, access to healthcare, education, and the environment. This concept is closely linked to housing and immigration, as both significantly influence an individual's quality of life by affecting their living conditions, opportunities, and social integration.
L'abitazione: L'abitazione refers to a dwelling or place of residence where individuals or families live. This term encompasses various types of living arrangements, such as houses, apartments, and shared accommodations, reflecting the diverse nature of housing in urban and rural settings. Understanding l'abitazione is crucial as it connects with broader themes of immigration, cultural identity, and socioeconomic factors that influence where people choose to live.
L'arredamento: L'arredamento refers to the arrangement and decoration of interior spaces, focusing on furniture, color schemes, and overall aesthetics. It plays a crucial role in making a house feel like a home, reflecting personal tastes and cultural influences. The way spaces are furnished and decorated can significantly affect comfort, functionality, and the emotional connection residents have to their environment.
L'emigrazione: L'emigrazione refers to the process of individuals leaving their country to settle in another, often driven by factors such as economic opportunity, political instability, or social conditions. This movement impacts housing, as emigrants often seek affordable living arrangements in their new countries, and it also relates to immigration policies that shape how and where these individuals can establish their new homes.
L'immigrazione: L'immigrazione refers to the movement of people from one country to another with the intention of settling permanently or temporarily. This phenomenon can be driven by various factors such as economic opportunities, conflict, persecution, or family reunification. Understanding l'immigrazione is crucial as it intersects with various social issues, including housing, as immigrants often seek affordable accommodation in their new countries.
L'inquinamento: L'inquinamento refers to the contamination of the environment through harmful substances or pollutants. It has significant impacts on air, water, and soil quality, which can affect human health and ecosystems. As urbanization increases and industries expand, managing pollution becomes crucial for sustainability and environmental protection.
Lo stile di vita: Lo stile di vita refers to the way individuals or groups live, encompassing their habits, behaviors, and choices that influence their quality of life. This term is deeply connected to various factors such as cultural background, economic status, and social environment, which shape how people experience their daily lives, including housing conditions and immigration experiences.
Mercato del lavoro: The Mercato del lavoro, or labor market, refers to the supply and demand for labor, where employers seek workers and individuals offer their skills in exchange for compensation. This concept is crucial in understanding economic dynamics, employment trends, and the impacts of globalization, which affect job availability and worker mobility across regions. It also plays a significant role in shaping policies related to immigration and housing, as these factors influence workforce demographics and economic opportunities.
Multiculturalità: Multiculturalità refers to the coexistence of diverse cultural groups within a society, where multiple cultures are recognized, appreciated, and celebrated. This concept highlights the importance of cultural diversity and emphasizes the value that different traditions, languages, and customs bring to a community, shaping its identity and social dynamics.
Permesso di soggiorno: Permesso di soggiorno, or residence permit, is a legal document that allows a non-EU citizen to reside in Italy for a specific period, whether for work, study, or family reunification. This permit is essential for immigrants to access housing, employment opportunities, and other rights within the country, making it a cornerstone of the immigration process in Italy.