The integration process and social mobility: examining Chinese immigration in the industrial district of Prato

The chapter explores the main social differences between Chinese people and other groups of immigrants based on a recent research project regarding the integration of immigrants in Tuscany (4,000 interviews using four indices of integration: economic; social; cultural; and political). By measuring the level of integration of the immigrants in Prato, we can show that the Chinese people are well-off, with a high level of income, good entrepreneurship skills, and in recent years, good consumers too. Based on these data, we discuss whether or not there is a new Chinese middle class in Prato. Moreover, can the Chinese immigrants be new central social actors in the industrial district? Can we read these changes as a reconfiguration of the existing social relations? At the end of the chapter we present some scenarios about what might happen in the future.