Transnational Orientation, Cosmopolitanism and Integration among Albanian-Origin Teenagers in Tuscany

Research on transnationalism and integration is increasingly focusing on the intersections between the two concepts. However, the debate is polarised between the country of origin and host country when migrants’ identity and belongingness are concerned. In the case of the children of migrants the literature also largely lacks references to locality, mobility and cosmopolitanism. This paper explores the integration of Albanian-origin teenagers in Tuscany and the relationship between their transnational orientations and integration strategies. Findings show that both the social and cultural institutions and the spatial ‘units’ where these teenagers refer to in their integration discourse go beyond their country of origin and host country. Firstly, there is a translocal dimension to their references – to Florence, Prato and Tuscany and the place of their parental origin in Albania. Secondly, their views and perceptions of integration contain a strong cosmopolitan orientation – both conceptually and spatially. The qualities of space and locality impact on transnational ties giving rise to cosmopolitan orientation and practices.