Cultural Crossroads: Insights into the Social Integration and Sense of Belonging of African Refugees in Italy.

This paper investigates the integration experiences and sense of belonging among Sub-Saharan African migrants living in Italy. It looks into the perceived influence of racial and cultural identities on integration, and the role of interculturalism as a potential strategic policy response. Through 12 in-depth semi-structured interviews, the research examines both the structural and sociocultural barriers faced by migrants and hypothesises that racial and cultural discrimination significantly impedes migrants' sense of belonging and integration. Furthermore, the paper explores the hypothesis that intercultural exchanges could forge stronger community bonds, offering partial compensation for experienced exclusion and prejudice. Amid Italy's significant political shifts and the rise in Mediterranean Sea migrant crossings in 2023, this research aims to illuminate the nuanced challenges of integration and advocate for more inclusive practices.