In the margins: young Italians’ social participation between engagement and social inclusion

The article analyzes young Italians’ social participation focusing on the relationship between social inclusion and civic and political engagement. Drawing on recent literature in youth studies, the article reflects on young Italians’ social status during the last decade arguing that the prolonged socio-economic marginalization experienced by young generations in Italy since the 2008 economic and financial crisis has promoted a series of changes in the forms and contents of youth engagement. As a more systemic and intersectional critique is expressed by young Italians through their non-institutionalized practices of engagement, the article explores the potential implications of young people’s claims and ideas for rethinking social inclusion. In so doing, the article seeks to recognize young Italians’ marginal position as a site for «radical openness» (bell hooks, 1989).