For a brief but explosive period in the mid-seventies, the young, the unemployed and the homeless of Italy's cities joined with workers, forming an unexpectedly militant movement known simply as Autonomy (Autonomia). An insurrectionary moment followed, exploding in the face of the austerity programmes and social discipline of the ruling Christian Democrats and their would be partners in the Communist Party. Social antagonism expressed itself through shcool occupations and factory sabotage, mass shoplifting and violent street protest - creating a "politics of refusal" through the joys of resistance. In turn, their successes united their opponents behind draconian measures more severe than any seen since the war. - Publisher