Civic Engagement of Immigrant Descendants in Italy: The Role of Associations in Shaping Inclusive Pathways

With over five million immigrants, foreign presence has become a structural feature in Italy, constituting nearly 9% of the total population. Consequently, a growing number of individuals are descendants of immigrants—over one million according to estimates. However, given the relatively recent nature of this demographic shift, certain aspects of their transition to adulthood remain underexplored, particularly civic engagement and associationism, and their role in fostering pathways to inclusion.

This paper aims to address these gaps by focusing on the function played by associations in shaping the life trajectories of Italians with a migrant background. Associations can have a pivotal role in various spheres, from identity formation and fostering belonging to advocating for rights and seeking recognition—such as the ongoing campaign to reform Italy’s outdated and discriminatory citizenship law. The paper also reflects on the different types of associations and their varying impacts, with particular attention to the distinctions between faith-based organizations (FBOs), secular associations, self-directed migrant/immigrant descendants groups, and generalist organizations not exclusively focused on migration-related issues.

The contribution draws on two key sources: qualitative research involving 22 Italians of foreign origin, which explores their trajectories of upward social mobility across dimensions such as family history, capital endowment, education, and professional careers. This research also highlights the diverse roles played by associations—from FBOs to advocacy organizations—in these life paths. Additionally, the paper integrates a comprehensive review of the literature on the Italian context, analysing how associations support the integration and civic participation of immigrant descendants.

Ultimately, this paper contributes to the discussion of how associations, including FBOs, navigate challenges and transformations when engaging with youth from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds, helping to build more cohesive and inclusive societies.