Abstract

In Italy social measures for immigrants have always been characterized by a high degree of territorial differentiation. This article aims at defining mechanisms common to different local contexts by analysing the accommodation measures for migrants. It is focused mainly on the role played by local administrations, examining their logics of action, interactions with other local actors and their reactions to the national legal framework. Initially, the evolution of accommodation measures in two Italian cities, Turin and Bologna, is examined. Afterwards, on the basis of this analysis, some main shared characteristics are identified: common pattern of logics of action followed by local administrations and common pressures put on them by civil society regardless of context features; the inelasticity of the public accommodation supply with respect to the variability of the demand; the relevant role played by the funds allocated by the national government and Regions in limiting this inelasticity; the amount of resources owned by the Catholic third sector as a crucial aspect in developing a cooperation with local administrations in the field of residential accommodation.