The intercultural competence of second-generation individuals: knowledge gaps and steps forward

Second generation individuals (SGIs) represent an increasingly important share of the growing European population. Most literature focuses on difficulties experienced by SGIs, risking reinforcing popular constructions SGIs as a problematic group. Examining potentials may help to create more balanced representation their social reality and highlight opportunities inherent in multi-ethnic societies. In this paper we suggest that upbringing amongst multiple cultures may, under certain conditions, favour developing strong intercultural competence (IC), vital resource contemporary, highly diverse Following review, IC remains largely unexplored there is need for further research investigate its features factors fostering hindering development. We begin defining approach adopt view construct, characterizing main critical implications up within cultural environments. Subsequently unite contributions migration studies body work order explain processes which likely develop IC. propose investigation making case should acknowledge distinctiveness experience therefore utilize specific conceptual methodological tools explore development The ends with discussion remaining knowledge gaps setting out agenda future SGIs.