Political Spaces. The ambivalent experiences of Italian second-generation associations

Contemporary Italy is witness to the dynamic organization of second-generation children of individuals of first wave migrants into various associations. These organizations fully address the issue of citizenship across local and sometimes national boundaries and are well networked through the Internet. Those involved in these organizations provide a good example of what Brettell has recently called "netizens" (2008). However, various members of these associations are also desirous of a sort of "territorialisation" of their political action and seem interested in realising a practiced citizenship within local, everyday life. This kind of strategy proves to be crucial for youth who were schooled and socialized in Italian society, but encounter discrimination and difficult prospects of social mobility. In their struggle, they contest and critique the representations which target them as forever migrants to enhance their access to economic resources, social participation and political representation.