Everyday practised citizenship and the challenges of representation: second-generation associations in Bologna

Italy is home to a population of second-generation children of first-wave migrants who are forming and becoming involved in various associations. If the first immigrant associations tended to struggle for recognition through engaging in social activities based on Italian associational structures, the second-generation associations tend to address fully the issue of citizenship and to cross local and sometimes national boundaries. This kind of strategy has proven crucial for youth that were schooled and socialized in Italian society but who encounter difficult prospects in social mobility and in seeing citizenship rights been granted. In their struggle, they contest and critique the representation that targets them as forever migrants, to enhance their access to economic resources, social participation and political representation. With this purpose in mind, they are also well connected through online networking. However, various members of these associations seem interested in realizing a practised citizenship within local everyday life more than on paper.