Abstract
This study focuses on the experiences of children of Albanian immigrants in a border region with a view to understanding their identification and integration strategies. Identity formation of adolescents and emerging adulthood has represented a lens through which their gender role, their level of integration and their sense of belongingness to the social, local and economic society can be analysed. In recent decades, a whole body of research has focused on the so-called second generations in the United States and in Europe. However, European scholars using theoretical frameworks that are based on the US found that their research needed to have a stronger focus on context due to structural and institutional differences between the two continents. Furthermore, the role of the nation-state as a unit of analysis for the interpretation of second generations’ identity remained central in migration studies. Since the integration of second generations in sub-nations in Europe is still understudied, further research is necessary.
Using a qualitative approach, I based my research on Merton’s theory (1949/1968) of anticipatory socialization to enable me to analyse the incorporation strategies of second generations in a consociational state and their negotiation attempts between two cultures in the transition from adolescence into adulthood. Data was collected through narrative interviews with 19 second-generation and 1.5 generation young women and men, while 15 semi-structured interviews with parents, first-generation highly skilled Albanian-origin immigrants and teachers contributed to other perspectives on identity shaping, incorporation and negotiation strategies of these second- and 1.5 generation children. The original South Tyrolean context, a border region characterized by different cultures, languages and lifestyles of three native ethnic groups (Italians, Germans and Ladins) completed the theoretical framework of the research.
Findings showed a combination of identities. Ethnic identity and intergenerational transmission of transnational ties by their parents had an impact on the identity of second-generation youth. At the same time, parents and children’s tendency to institutionally assimilate into the German sub-group demonstrated anticipatory socialization; however, their belongingness to the Italian culture strengthened evidence of the role of ethnic affinity. The results of the study could represent an important interpretation of the local situation to be shared with institutions such as schools, associations for migrant groups, office of ethnic minorities, Chamber of Commerce, and so on, with the aim of understanding second generations better and of transforming South Tyrol into a more inclusive society towards new citizens. Further investigation into this area is suggested.