Across Generations: Immigrant Families in America

Immigrants and their American-born children represent about one quarter of the United States population. Drawing on rich, in-depth ethnographic research, the fascinating case studies in Across Generations examine the intricacies of relations between the generations in a broad range of immigrant groups—from Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa—and give a sense of what everyday life is like in immigrant families. Moving beyond the cliché of the children of immigrants engaging in pitched battles against tradition-bound parents from the old country, these vivid essays offer a nuanced view that brings out the ties that bind the generations as well as the tensions that divide them. Tackling key issues like parental discipline, marriage choices, educational and occupational expectations, legal status, and transnational family ties, Across Generations brings crucial insights to our understanding of the United States as a nation of immigrants. Contributors: Leisy Abrego, JoAnn D'Alisera, Joanna Dreby, Yen Le Espiritu, Greta Gilbertson, Nazli Kibria, Cecilia Menjívar, Jennifer E. Sykes, Mary C. Waters, and Min Zhou.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments IntroductionPart I: How Has the Immigrant Past Shaped the Immigrant Present in New York City and Amsterdam? 1. Immigration History and the Remaking of New York 2. To Amsterdam: Migrations Past and Present Part II: What Difference Does the Urban Economy Make to Immigrant Incorporation? 3. Immigrants in New York City's Economy 4. From Amsterdamned to I AmsterdamPart III: Is Islam in Amsterdam Like Race in New York City? 5. Nativism, Racism, and Immigration in New York City 6. Governing through Religion in AmsterdamPart IV: How Are Immigrants Entering the Precincts of Power in New York City and Amsterdam? 7. The Rise of Immigrant Influence in New York City Politics 8. Immigrant Political Engagement and Incorporation in AmsterdamPart V: How Are the Children of Immigrants Shaped by and also Changing New York City's and Amsterdam's Cultural Life? 9. Immigrants, the Arts, and the "Second-Generation Advantage" in New York 10. Immigrant Youths' Contribution to Urban Culture in AmsterdamAbout the Contributors Index

About the Author :
Nancy Foner is Distinguished Professor of Sociology at Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books, including In a New Land: A Comparative View of Immigration and New York and Amsterdam: Immigration and the New Urban Landscape (NYU Press). She is the recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Career Award given by the International Migration Section of the American Sociological Association.

Review :
"This timely and enlightening volume opens a window on immigrant families from a wide range of countries and cultures, and vividly explores the nature of relationships between parents and children growing up between two worlds." Ruben G. Rumbaut, co-author of Immigrant America "Throws a brilliant light on one of the most hidden aspects of the immigrant experience - namely, the private but absolutely crucial relationships in the home between immigrant parents and their U.S.-reared children." Richard Alba, co-editor of Immigration and Religion in America