Polish Immigrant Organisations in Italy within the Context of Invisibility

Abstract

In Italy, there are a number of formal organisations established and run by Polish immigrants and their descendants. The paper gives a brief account of the associations’ characteristics and describes how their internal factors – particularly social and cultural capital – have been primary determinants of their condition. The impact of human resources is particularly pronounced, since the Polish organisations in Italy remain largely unseen, either from the perspective of the country of origin or the country of residence, as well as relations between them. The invisibility context in which they pursue their goals and activities is discussed. Also, the ramifications of invisibility as a concept are given careful consideration. The analysis is based on the findings of a study that was conducted in the years 2016–2020 within the framework of the ‘Polish Immigrant Organisations in Europe’ research project.