Twentieth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Literature on multi-level governance (MLG) has mainly focused on vertical dynamics, that is relations between different scales of governance, rather than those horizontal (interaction between public and non-public actors). This timely research provides insights on the role of civil society actors in asylum governance, and paying particular attention to horizontal dynamics. In the context of the ongoing H2020 project MAGYC, the paper delves into 30 interviews with local governmental actors, journalists in local newspapers, representatives of civil society organizations and refugees themselves in Northern Italy. In analysing the role of and the interactions between public and non-public actors, it is argued that when promotion and implementation of reception and integration projects are far from being feasible, civil society actors may opt to establish relationships and dialogue with those opposing migration indicating tolerance in order to avoid conflicts. Pro-migrant actors organise meetings at the municipality or neighbourhood level in order to guarantee, for instance, the well-functioning of a (new) reception center. They adopt a low visibility model of action to avoid conflicts; for instance, they may not make overtly known the opening of a new reception center, or they may prefer to organise events promoting integration in private spaces, rather than in public squares. Interpersonal relations at the local (or neighbourhood) level are of great relevance. It is thus argued that such patterns could contribute to reducing people’s prejudices and fear related to immigration and refugees and generating trust.