## The Adjustment of Italian Immigrants in Buenos Aires and New York, 1870-1914 This study compares the experiences of Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires and New York City between 1870 and 1914, focusing on their economic adjustment, housing, and community organization. ### Economic Adjustment: A Tale of Two Cities The key to understanding immigrant adjustment lies in examining their ability to find work, improve living conditions, and build supportive organizations. The primary motivation for Italian immigration was economic betterment. Both Buenos Aires and New York were booming economic centers, but the immigrants' experiences differed significantly. #### Buenos Aires: Economic Dominance In Buenos Aires, Italians, comprising 32% of the population in 1887, held 53% of industrial jobs and 57.5% of industrial ownership. This dominance extended to commerce, though less pronounced. * Italians held a significantly higher percentage of skilled and white-collar jobs compared to New York. * They played a major role in labor and employer organizations, often holding leadership positions. * There was noticeable upward mobility, extending to white-collar and even high-level positions in the army, church, and politics. #### New York: Limited Opportunities It's a common misconception that high immigration numbers automatically translate to economic success. The New York case demonstrates that this isn't always true. * While numerous, Italians formed a smaller percentage of the overall population and thus had less economic influence. * They were concentrated in lower-skilled, blue-collar jobs (75% in 1880 and 1905). * Upward mobility was limited, primarily within the blue-collar sector. * Their participation in labor and employer organizations was less significant than in Buenos Aires. ### Housing and Residential Patterns Consider the interplay between job location, transportation, and ethnic networks when analyzing residential patterns. Both cities saw initial settlement in crowded, low-rent areas. However, the patterns of subsequent movement differed. #### Buenos Aires: Earlier Dispersion In Buenos Aires, Italians were more dispersed, with less concentration in tenement housing compared to New York. By 1914, a significant portion had moved to the outskirts, often to own homes. * Higher rates of homeownership (17.6% by 1914) compared to New York. * Earlier outward migration due to higher earning potential and ability to save for home purchases. #### New York: Concentrated Settlements The development of transportation infrastructure influenced residential patterns, but didn't solely determine the timing of outward migration. * Higher concentration in tenement housing (over 75%). * Stronger clustering by village and language, creating distinct ethnic enclaves. * Later outward migration, even with improved transportation, possibly due to lower earning potential. ### Explaining the Differences Several factors contributed to the differing experiences: * **Population Proportion:** The larger Italian population in Buenos Aires allowed for greater economic influence. * **Economic Opportunities:** Buenos Aires offered more opportunities for skilled labor and entrepreneurship. * **Savings and Homeownership:** Higher earnings in Buenos Aires facilitated earlier homeownership and outward migration. * **Social Organization:** Italians in Buenos Aires were more successful in forming and participating in labor and employer organizations. * **Urban Structure:** Buenos Aires' less island-like structure allowed for easier dispersion even while maintaining proximity to work. ### Conclusion The Italian immigrant experience in Buenos Aires and New York demonstrates the complexity of immigrant adjustment. While economic motivation was universal, the outcomes varied significantly due to a combination of factors related to population size, economic opportunities, savings capacity, social organization, and urban geography. The Buenos Aires experience showcases a more successful and rapid economic and residential integration compared to New York.