Ethnic Definition, Social Mobility, and Residential Segregation in the United States

Abstract

In this paper we explore several issues related to ethnic identity in the United States. We employ demographic tools including qualitative analysis of historical census schedules and statistical analysis of census and survey data from 1910 and 1980. Our purpose is to provide direct evidence on ethnic group competition and assimilation and to call attention to how these issues of ethnic identification and assimilation are intertwined with the data collection mechanisms used by official agencies....We approach assimilation through the window of residence....While the data and measures we use to examine segregation in 1910 and 1980 are not exactly comparable knowledge of who lives near whom provides insight into the degree of a groups assimilation. (EXCERPT)