Abstract

In Italy the number of immigrant children has been increasing more and more, and they are modifying both immigrant phenomenon and receiving societies. Thus it becomes necessary and useful to understand which elements influence second generations' paths and potential trajectories, especially in the educational context. After a brief description on the different meanings that the definition of «second generation» can origin, the article discusses some peculiar aspects related to the Italian situation. Afterwards, through the presentation of the different theories on the educational achievement, the focus is the social and cultural shift that characterizes the educational achievement of the «second generation», giving attention to the role that can play the human and social capital embedded in the ethnic networks.