The social experience of second-generation young Italian Muslims

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the social experience of second generation young immigrants of Islamic belief. In the first part of the article are outlined some relevant contributions based on analysis of the cultural everyday practices in which the real meaning of 'being a Muslim” in Italy is embodied. The second part reports on the results of research still underway carried out in two main cities of the south of Italy where social conditions have worsened due the long economic crisis. The orientation toward a subjective construction of their identity is still the prominent result, but the creative element is threatened by the weakening of the institutions which sustain the possibility to give meaning to their own personal choices independent of the community and society. The conclusion emphasizes the ambivalence of the concept of Cosmopolitanism so prevalent among these young people.