Research: "Inclusive nation" and the issue of temporary migration.
I'm Alessandro Ralli, I'm 25 years old and I am about to begin my first year in this PhD program.
I have a bachelor's degree in sociology, from the University of Rome La Sapienza, with a thesis that focuses on the social construction of reality.
Following that, I earned a master's degree in publishing and writing, at the University of Rome La Sapienza, guided by the professor Paolo di Paolo. My thesis explores cultural journalism and the role of intellectuals in contemporary society.
Additionally, I worked as a researcher at IsiCult. I collaborated on two projects funded by the Ministry of Culture.
My primary research interest revolves around the (still relevant) reproduction of national identities and how these identities may (or may not) be formed in terms of exclusivity. The objective is to understand how to promote inclusivity and otherness. My research focuses on the social representations of migrants in Italy. In major Italian media, migrants are often framed in a dehumanizing and negative manner. The goal of my research is to propose a re-representation of migrants in a positive light.
To achieve this, I will employ a mixed quantitative-qualitative methodology. The quantitative approach will involve text mining techniques applied to the major Italian newspapers. The aim is to provide an empirical basis for the research and to understand the lexical patterns present, as well as to determine whether correlations exist between the dehumanization of migrants and the affirmation of a "project of Italian national identity." The qualitative approach will focus on discourse analysis and the study of migrant literature.
Recently, I have been focusing on the concept of an "inclusive nation" and the issue of temporary migration. I am enthusiastic and confident that my project will take on a more structured and relevant form during this first year of study.