book chapter

Moral familism: Italian-Americans and Società

new explorations in italian american studies: proceedings of the 25th annual conference of the american italian historical association, washington, d.c., november 12-14, 1992 • Washington, D.C. • Published In 1992 • Pages: 209-226

By: Salamone, Frank A..

Abstract

This paper is a critique of Banfield's famous theory, 'amoral familism,' regarding Italian family behavior and the limitations it imposed on the development of civil society and a modern economy. According to Salamone, Rochester's Italian-Americans displayed a gregariousnous and organizational ability that produced a variety of extrafamilial associations. These associations helped immigrants to advance financial, cultural, and business goals. In 1935 there were 40 organizations united under the Italian Civic League. Cultural clubs worked to combat negative stereotyping in the media, by sponsoring lectures and cultural events that showed off the positive aspects of Italian culture. The Italian Civil Rights League was formed in response to the power politics of the 1960s and 1970s.

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

North America

Sub Region

Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures

Document Type

book chapter

Evaluation

Creator Type

Historian

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1999

Field Date

Not Specified

Coverage Date

1865-1985

Coverage Place

Rochester, N.Y., United States

Notes

Frank A. Salamone

Includes bibliographical references (p. 224-226)

LCCN

94032166

LCSH

Italian Americans