The networks of Chinese community in Milan

The aim of this work is to give a theoretical and methodological contribution to the use of networks in migration studies. Strength of ties, multiplicity, density, expressive and instrumental links, cooperative and competitive relations are important concept for analysing the transformations of Chinese community in Milan. While in the ‘80s, the community was dense and cohesive and for newcomers was easier to improve their economical situation, in the ‘90s the situation has become more problematic. The ancient Chinese area, Canonica Sarpi, has become the service area with a lot of ethnic shops and the newcomers tend to concentrate in more peripheral areas, like Monza Padova, where they start leather or clothes manufactures. In the two areas there are different level of integration and conflict with the Italian local population. Within this general situation, the individual manipulate his/her social network in different ways in order to reach economical and social integration. The last one is generally attained through the scholastic career of children, that often act as brokers in the relations between their parents and the local population and institutions