The genius loci migrantes and its perception by Russian women in Liguria

Abstract

The article proposes to introduce the construct of genius loci migrantes, starting from the results of a qualitative research on the perception by Russian women in Liguria of the genius of the places of their migration, sharpening the importance of their knowledge of this genius in order to build emotional ties with the new places. The socio-cultural and spatial benefits obtained, deriving from the familiarisation with the genius of the places of their migration, contributed to reinforcing the sense of their belonging to these places, implementing and enriching, moreover, also the processes of inclusion, in which they are involved and of which they are active promoters in the new society. Based on the analysis of 20 structured interviews, the study highlights the Russian migrant women’s matured awareness of the indispensability of becoming familiar with the genius of the place of their migration in order to achieve their own and others’ migrant well-being.