This is an award under the Grants for Improving Doctoral Dissertation Research program. It is a study of changes in ethnic identification among white ethnic groups and the impact of such identification on the labor force participation of women. Census data from the 1910, 1940, 1950, 1970, and 1980 censuses will be used, with a focus on English, Italian, Polish, and Jewish women. Census data from 137 different American cities will be examined through time to see how features of the local economy and population composition affect the labor force participation of women in the chosen ethnic groups. Previous research has viewed the ethnic identification of immigrants as gradually receding as a result of prolonged exposure to the American melting pot. More recently researchers have recognized that ethnic identification and distinctive forms of behavior associated with that identification can be either strengthened or weakened, depending upon features of the local social structure in which members of a group live. Yet to date few studies have rigorously investigated how this "emergent ethnicity" works, and by doing so, this project will make an important contribution. In addition to the scientific gains to be achieved by the research, this award will materially assist a highly promising student in completing research for the Ph.D. dissertation. Thus it contributes to the future scientific manpower of the nation and the thorough training of the next generation of social scientists.
