Positive Italian Immigrants experiences in Scotland

Question 1

Many Italian immigrants opened up fish and chip shops.

Answer 1

This meant that Scots liked Italians as they provided cheap, tasty and easy food.

Question 2

Some second-generation Italians changed their names to sound more Scottish.

Answer 2

This meant that Italians made an effort to fit in with Scots which was appreciated by Scots.

Question 3

In 1891 the Societa di Mutto Soccorso was set up by Italian immigrants to provide business loans for Italians.

Answer 3

This meant that Italians were seen as less of a negative influence as they were capable of helping each other to establish profitable businesses.

Question 4

Many Italians opened barber shops and hairdressers in Scotland.

Answer 4

This meant that Scots liked Italians as they provided useful services for the Scots.

Question 5

Many Italians employed their own families in their businesses.

Answer 5

This meant that Scots viewed Italians as less of a drain on the Poor Law as they generally looked after each other without help from Scots.

Question 6

Many Italians were self-employed and ran small businesses.

Answer 6

This meant that Scots saw Italians as less of a threat in the labour market as they rarely competed for the same jobs.

Question 7

Some Italian cafes and restaurants were open late at night.

Answer 7

This meant that Scots liked that Italians offered a sober alternative to pubs and clubs for young people to socialise.

Question 8

Many Italian families encouraged their children to learn English and only spoke Italian in the home.

Answer 8

This meant that Italians were able to mix socially with Scots more easily and form good relationships from a young age.