Eritrean? Italian? British? Adaptive transnationalism and identity negotiation among Eritrean second generations in London and Milan

Abstract

This paper examines the transnational engagement of Eritrean second generations (ESG) in London and Milan, analysing how family, community, and host-society dynamics shape their identities and practices. Drawing on a multi-sited ethnographic approach, this study explores the roles of family socialisation, language maintenance, and experiences of racial discrimination, in shaping emerging practices in political participation and civic engagement. Findings reveal that ESGs engage in what can be referred to as ‘adaptive transnationalism’. They construct diasporic identities through selective engagement with their heritage, balancing cultural loyalty with personal beliefs in response to the distinct socio-political environments of their host societies. By focusing on the experiences of second generations within a refugee diaspora, this study challenges traditional notions of transnationalism, highlighting how second generations actively negotiate identity, belonging, and community solidarity across local and transnational spaces. These insights underscore the complexity of second-generation transnationalism, emphasising agency and adaptation within diverse European contexts.