THE CASE OF ITALY

We have conducted the interviews to improve our understanding of four main research areas. First, we wanted to inquire into how the respondents perceived themselves and their living conditions vis-à-vis their employment situation. Are they happy with their contract? Are they in secure employment, and how do they feel about their wages? Second, we wanted to know what they think are the causes of their situation. Who do they think is responsible for their conditions? Are they sharing their problems with their colleagues, and are they relying on each other for solving them? Third, we had to consider the deep disruption to social life caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. What was the impact of the first wave on them? Did they have to work during the first surge in cases? How do they cope with the economic fallout? Finally, we wanted to ask them to imagine the future and how would it be possible to change it. What are the interviewees’ hopes and desires? Can they imagine how to fulfil them, and does this entails collective political actions?