The paradoxes of social research: immigration and criminality in Italy

This article examines the theme of “immigration and criminality” in Italy from an alternative point of view than the one usually considered in specialist literature. Instead of focusing attention on the greater or lower involvement in crime by foreigners as compared to natives, this article analyses, from the standpoint of applied research, two “schools” in the 20th century sociological tradition: one with a positivist orientation, and the other from social constructivism. The comparison between these two perspectives brings to light the aporias and controversies that fuel the scientific debate on the link, presumed or real, between immigration and criminality in Italy.