Critique of 'resilience' rhetoric in Italy's inner areas
An article on Artribune by Alex Urso critically examines the overuse of the term 'resilience' in discussions about Italy's depopulated inner areas. The author argues that the word, popularized during the Covid-19 pandemic, has become a hollow buzzword that shifts focus from structural problems to local adaptation. Citing scholars such as Alessandra Faggian (Manifesto per riabitare l’Italia, Donzelli Editore 2020), Mark Neocleous (Resisting resilience, Radical Philosophy), Jonathan Joseph, and David Chandler, the piece warns that resilience rhetoric risks normalizing decline and replacing state responsibility with community self-reliance. The article concludes that adaptation should not substitute for transformative policies.
Key facts
- The article criticizes the frequent use of 'resilience' in discussions about Italy's inner areas.
- The term 'resilience' became widespread after the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Alessandra Faggian is cited from 'Manifesto per riabitare l’Italia' (Donzelli Editore 2020).
- Mark Neocleous argues resilience is an ideological device in 'Resisting resilience' (Radical Philosophy).
- Jonathan Joseph links resilience to governance models that shift responsibility to communities.
- David Chandler warns resilience promotes adaptation over transformation.
- The article suggests resilience rhetoric may obscure institutional responsibilities.
- The author is Alex Urso.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Artribune
- Donzelli Editore
- Radical Philosophy
Locations
- Italy