Living Conditions in the Historical Center of Palermo

Abstract

This paper aims the analysis of the living conditions of a sample of household, residing at a quarter of Palermo’s historic city centre so that it is an effective instrument for politicians to improve the quality of life of the residents. The definition of “poverty” is strongly related to what stated in studies about quality of life; actually, it does not depend only on expenditure capability: in fact, the employment status of the householder and the family asset are relevant as well. Then, it is simpler thinking about the standard, or living conditions, of a community, i.e. the set of goods and facilities available to people and that people can get. These observations have been the base of a multi-disciplinary research that, engaging sociologists, jurists, architects, economists and statisticians, had the aim to investigate families living standard in Palermo. In the first step of the analysis, the interest was focused on a small area because it is a privileged one thanks to its historical, environmental and cultural conditions: if we want to stop the slow and increasing deterioration it is necessary a relevant political intervention. Then, as a second step, it is basic the study of residents needs and related living condition problems.