Italian Immigration: 1950?1970

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the factors responsible for the rise in European immigration to the U.S. after WWII. This in-depth paper focuses on the many struggles encountered by Italian immigrants to America between 1950-1970. The writer of this paper details how the segregation of the Italian immigrant community was similar to that suffered by African-Americans. The segregation of Italians was not publicly acknowledged, but existed nonetheless as a force in keeping them congregated in their own neighborhoods and denying them equal access to the U.S. economic and political systems. The negative perception of the Italian culture was further intensified by the rise of the mafia and the presence of organized crime which led to further widespread prejudice. The writer describes the 1950s as an era in which the WASP element of society was preferred even though the overt prejudice against the Irish and Roman Catholics had been reduced. This paper explores religion which was an important element in Italian life. Family and religious life formed a core to the Italian culture and their neighborhoods offered an enclave of life in the old country to newcomers. This paper also contains relevant information as to how the immigrants dealt with day-to-day life in America, from employment to education.

From the Paper:

"The immigrants with the least education were those most likely to be employed in low paying jobs. Even with minimum wage legislation, it was difficult to earn a living and wives frequently were forced to work part time as seamstresses or domestic servants to supplement the family income. As the higher paying jobs moved to the suburbs, those who were poorest were least able to relocate in search of employment. In The Other America, author Michael Harrington says one of the most self-perpetuating aspects of poverty is the inability to move, physically and mentally. When considered in the physical sense, poverty itself brings about segregation that further alienates immigrants from the mainstream of society."

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• Analytical Essay # 71744 : "Italian Immigration to Argentina"
• Term Paper # 120133 : "Italian Immigration to Canada"
• Book Review # 23870 : "Jewish and Italian Immigration"

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