Encyclopedia of Contemporary Italian Culture

In the 50 or so years following the end of the Second World War, Italy has been transformed from a mainly rural culture into a bustling post‐industrial metropolitan society. This dramatic change has not been smooth, though. Many authors have, in fact, suggested that a keyword for this entire period should have been “crisis”. This does seem rather harsh. At the beginning of this new century, I associate Italy and the Italian people with many successes. Success in sport, the arts, cuisine, fashion. Italy is now playing an even bigger part in world politics and affairs. There are now courses...