Cultural Gap: Ethiopian Immigrants

Abstract

Ethiopian, one of the post-1965 groups of immigrants from less developed countries, may differ from pre-1965 European immigrants in their assimilation pattern. This paper explores applicable assimilation models to Ethiopian immigrants by reviewing the literature on Ethiopian immigrants and analysing the PUMS data. It finds that, compared to other immigrants, Ethiopian immigrants' high level of human capital does not translate into equivalent level of socio-economic well-being in the U.S. Findings from the analysis suggest that race is an important individual and structural variable in the socio-economic location of Ethiopian immigrants in the U.S. Segmented assimilation theory may offer the flexibility and fit needed for Ethiopian immigrants. However, the data shows some support for the applicability of the classic assimilation theory to the average immigrant. Socio-economic well-being is highest for oldest cohorts and lowest for most recent cohorts.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACTII

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

Thesis Statement1

Background of the Research1

Statement Of Purpose4

Hypothesis5

Goals And Objectives Of Research5

Research Question5

Methods6

PUMS Data6

Regression Model7

Significance of the Study9

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW15

Ethiopianism and Ethiopian Ideology15

Cultural Differences17

Ethiopian Immigrants in America ethnicity, gender and absorption19

Social Change and Constructions of Space: `pure' and `impure' space27

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY34

Confidentiality34

Validity34

Reliability35

Data and Method35

Findings36

CHAPTER 04: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS40

Descriptive and Comparative Data by Immigrant Groups, Human Capital Indicators, English ability40

Educational attainment43

Socio-economic Well-being Indicators44

Occupational Status44

Modern Era46

The First Ethiopians In America48

Significant Immigration Waves48

Settlement Patterns49

Acculturation and Assimilation50

Cuisine52

Music52

Traditional Costumes53

Health Issues53

Language54

Family And Community Dynamics54

Education54

The Role Of Women55

Weddings56

Funerals56

Interactions With Other Ethnic Groups57

Religion57

Employment And Economic Traditions59

Politics and Government60

Relations with Ethiopia60

Poverty61

Gender Relations in Transition62

CHAPTER 05: CONCLUSION66

REFERENCES78

APPENDICES88

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

Thesis Statement

The increasing diversity of recent immigrants and their dissimilarity to earlier European immigrants to the US, suggests a need for re-evaluating the classic assimilation theory. Several theories and models have been suggested. Classic assimilation theory proposes that immigrant groups become increasingly like the native-born or majority group over time as they experience educational and economic opportunities that results in socio-economic advancement. The theory, though fitting to earlier Ethiopian immigrants, does not explain the diversity in patterns and outcomes of more recent immigrants (Dodoo, 2002, 13). Changes in U.S. immigration laws in 1965 abolished national quota system and eased immigration prospects for non-Europeans.

Background of the Research

Theorising and research on racial/ethnic identity continues to expand. New models reflect the growing recognition of the complexity of racial/ethnic identity and the increased diversity of our society. One example is the development of a theory to address the ethnic identity of Ethiopian immigrants, taking into account their status as African immigrants in the United States (Dodoo, 1997, 27).

African immigrants to the United States have contributed greatly to their communities of settlement with African churches and mosques; Ethiopian, Senegalese, and other African restaurants; African hair braiding salons; taxi drivers or nursing home care providers who might be Somalian, Liberian, Eritrean, or Sierra Leonian; medical doctors from Nigeria and other African nations; and African professors and teachers from many different countries. Many African-born residents in the United States are urbanised, and they have one of the highest education levels of any immigrant group.

Models and measurement strategies are less linear and more complex and multifaceted. Increased attention has been paid to the development of psychometrically sound ...