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Title: Learning to be an 'American Lady'? Ethnic Distinctiveness and Generational Change in Daughters' Activities in the Early 1900s

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2000

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Abstract: Studies of immigrant acculturation generally assume a similar process for women and men. Historically, the spectrum of young adults' activities was broader for women than for men, including domestic work in the home and labor force participation or school attendance. Using cross-sectional data from the 1910 Census Public Use Sample, this article applies a gendered critique of assimilation theory to explore ethnic differences in daughters' activities. The findings highlight gender role transmission within the family and the fluidity of daughters' activities in response to distinctive ethnic preferences. Families engaged in household strategies regarding the allocation of members' activities to negotiate valued cultural goals, whether retaining daughters in the home or enabling daughters to attend school. The results do not support a simple assimilation model, but rather, point to considerable variation across ethnic groups in the activities pursued by coresident daughters.

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Authors: Sassler, Sharon

Periodical (Full): Gender & Society

Issue: 1

Volume: 14

Pages: 184-209

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Education, Race and Ethnicity

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