Venice is not dying

This collective book challenges the pervasive narrative of a dying Venice, arguing instead that the city is experiencing a profound crisis from which signs of rebirth are emerging. Through a collection of four essays, the volume investigates the wicked problems facing the city, from overtourism and depopulation to environmental degradation and social inequality. Adopting interdisciplinary perspectives, the authors apply critical theoretical frameworks to analyze how global market forces impact the local urban fabric. The book moves beyond diagnosis to explore tangible forms of resistance and alternative pathways. Case studies on the resilient neighborhood of Santa Marta and the work of social cooperatives integrating inmates into the local economy showcase bottom-up initiatives that foster social infrastructure, inclusion, and a more sustainable urban life. Ultimately, Venice is not dying presents a counter-narrative of a city actively fighting for its future, highlighting the vital role of community, social innovation, and the reclamation of urban space as a living, inhabitable place rather than a mere tourist commodity. Born from the "Economic Sociology" course held by Professor Busacca within the PISE (Philosophy, International Studies, and Economics) program at Ca' Foscari University and written with three talented students, this collective book is the result of a pedagogical approach to teaching economic sociology inspired by pragmatism and experimentalism, where sociology becomes a source of practical solutions to real problems.