ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates second- and third-generation Italian immigrants’ sense of Italian identity, their sense of pride, and their relationship with specific elements of Italian culture. RAI International and, more recently, RAI Italia play a role in immigrant families, providing a link between immigrant families in South Africa and Italian current affairs. An overwhelming interest in Italian soccer and support for the Italian national team is a strong cultural marker. Regarding involvement in Italian politics, voting in national elections allows for participation by those living abroad who hold an Italian passport. Different levels of involvement and interest in the Italian political process were reported, but most participants admitted that they did not have enough understanding of the Italian political system to make informed decisions. There was also some interest in Italian music, but little interest in reading Italian books or newspapers, often related to language difficulties with written Italian.
