The Social Structure of an Italian Slum: A Case Study of Naples

Slums are a common feature of urban landscapes in developing countries, and they are home to a significant proportion of the world's population. In Italy, slums are known as "borgate," and they are typically located on the outskirts of major cities. Naples is one of the most slum-ridden cities in Italy, with an estimated 200,000 people living in borgate.

Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum

by William Foote Whyte

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1788 KB
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This article explores the social structure of an Italian slum, using the case study of Naples. It examines the different social classes, their interactions, and the challenges they face.

Social Classes

There are three main social classes in an Italian slum: the poor, the working class, and the middle class.

The poor are the most numerous social class in a slum. They typically live in overcrowded and unsanitary housing, and they have limited access to education and employment. Many of the poor are unemployed or underemployed, and they rely on welfare benefits to survive.

The working class is the second largest social class in a slum. They typically work in low-paying jobs, such as construction, manufacturing, or service industries. The working class often lives in slightly better housing than the poor, but they still face many challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, and crime.

The middle class is the smallest social class in a slum. They typically work in professional or managerial positions, and they have a higher standard of living than the poor and the working class. The middle class often lives in gated communities or in more affluent neighborhoods.

Interactions between Social Classes

The different social classes in a slum interact in a variety of ways. The poor often rely on the working class for jobs and other forms of support. The working class often interacts with the middle class in the workplace or in social settings. The middle class often interacts with the poor and the working class through charitable organizations or volunteer work.

There is also a great deal of conflict between the different social classes in a slum. The poor often resent the wealth and privilege of the middle class. The working class often feels exploited by the poor and the middle class. The middle class often fears the crime and violence that is associated with the poor.

Challenges

The residents of an Italian slum face a number of challenges, including poverty, unemployment, crime, and violence.

Poverty is the most pressing challenge facing the residents of an Italian slum. Many of the poor live in extreme poverty, and they struggle to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Poverty also leads to a number of other problems, such as malnutrition, disease, and crime.

Unemployment is another major challenge facing the residents of an Italian slum. Many of the poor are unemployed or underemployed, and they have limited access to education and training. Unemployment leads to poverty and a number of other problems, such as crime and violence.

Crime and violence are also major challenges facing the residents of an Italian slum. The crime rate in slums is often much higher than in other parts of the city. This is due to a number of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity. Crime and violence can lead to a number of other problems, such as fear, anxiety, and social unrest.

The social structure of an Italian slum is complex and challenging. The residents of a slum face a number of challenges, including poverty, unemployment, crime, and violence. However, the residents of a slum also demonstrate a great deal of resilience and community spirit. They are often able to overcome the challenges they face and build a better life for themselves and their families.

Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum

by William Foote Whyte

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1788 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	420 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE