Mapping the migrant-owned commercial activities to understand urban dynamics and inequalities in Naples

The growing presence of migrant workers from non-European countries employed in the trade sector is becoming increasingly apparent. In urban studies, the observation and interpretation of the distribution of migrant-owned commercial activities in urban areas allows for the highlighting of the processes and dynamics of urban transformation. Firstly, the morphological, settlement and building characteristics, socio-economic structure, cultural habits and production traditions affect the opportunities for migrant populations to engage in small business activities. Secondly, they influence the dynamics of spatial transformation and re-signification of parts of the city. This paper presents the findings of a research project initiated in 2020 at the Department of Architecture of the University of Naples Federico II. The project, PRIN 2022 PNRR “Mapping the new spatial inequalities within Southern European cities”, offers new insights that are relevant to the topic under discussion. The paper, therefore, provides an investigation into the prevalence of commercial activities owned by citizens from non-EU countries on the geography of the city of Naples and on the processes of urban transformation and reproduction of inequalities.