Book

Settlers and sojourners: a study of Serbian adaptation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

AMS Press • (39) • Published In 1989 • Pages: xii, 296

By: Padgett, Deborah.

Abstract

This is a study of Serbian migrations to the United States, particularly to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the adaptative pattern utilized to maintain their ethnicity once settled in America. After a careful examination of various conditions that Padgett believes affects the immigration adaptive process, she offers a framework for analyzing the ethnic emergence of an immigrant group. Using conceptual and theoretical works by Barth, Whitten and Bennett, Padgett examines the dynamic adaptation of members of Serbian immigrants to a new, alien, urban setting. 'A major objective of this study is to demonstrate that ethnic group persistence is not simply a matter of adherence to a primordial cultural heritage. This study does not deny the unifying potential of shared culture, but instead rejects purely cultural explanations for ethnic persistence' (p. 5). The importance of voluntary associations to ethnic adaptation is another topic given considerable attention in this work. These associations are treated as reflecting the choice of adaptive strategy by members of the group.

HRAF PubDate

1997

Region

North America

Sub Region

Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1996

Field Date

June 1977-Sept. 1978

Coverage Date

1890-1978

Coverage Place

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Notes

Deborah Padgett

Includes bibliographical references (p. 270-290) and index

LCCN

88046193

LCSH

Serbian Americans