The essay analyzes Italian American identity in its historical and social development connected with American society, starting from interpretations given by the scholars from the Seventies up to today. Contemporary Italian American identity has been analyzed by referring to the results of a survey conducted by the author on a sample of young Italian Americans living in New York and in its greater surrounding area. From the study different attribution of meanings in the identification with the Italian origins as well as different identity models emerge. “Five points of attention” are presented 1) value-based connotation, 2) misrepresentations of Italian Americans, 3) recognition and sense of belonging within the Italian American community, 4) participation in the life of Italian American associations, 5) connection/reconnection with Italy). The identity of the young people and the representation of Italian heritage are permeated with elements that come from these five areas.
