I agree with Eden that immigrants couldn’t be picky when it came to jobs, but I find it more interesting to discuss the ways in which certain ethnic groups acquired certain jobs. Living in New York City, I think most people are guilty of associating certain jobs and businesses with certain ethnic groups. Lee writes out a list of these stereotypes, classifying immigrant groups based on the types of stores they own. I can say with a degree of certainty that these ethnic groups do not have innate characteristics that draw them to certain types of work and that lead them to be more successful in those industries. Rather, as Foner points out, there are many logistical reasons as to why economic ethnic niches evolved.
Foner discusses some of these reasons, including location, skills learned in their homelands, and a shared religion. Also, she points out that it was beneficial for both the boss and the workers if the workers in they knew each other outside of work. It created a more optimal working environment, preventing disputes that would detract from the boss’s duties in other aspects of the business. Foner also discusses some of the differences between the old and the new immigrants, and how these differences contribute to the types of work they have. New immigrants tend to be of higher status in their home countries; however, do to the lack of proper certification in America, they are forced to work the same jobs as unskilled laborers. Additionally, the middle class is no longer as recognizable in New York. Many native New Yorkers are moving out of the city, and this emigration from the city has led to huge income disparities.
Anbinder also writes about the jobs held by immigrants, and seems to be entertained by the fact that despite the harsh conditions, very few returned to the home country. Not only that, but they send letters to their family and friends in their home countries describing the great living conditions and encouraging them to join them in New York. Foner does point that although many people held lower status occupations in New York than back home, many people were still paid more in these lower level jobs. As a result, there may have been some truth to the letters sent back home.
Overall, many immigrants came and found jobs working with people of their own ethnicities. For Jews, this was important when it came to the observance of the Sabbath and holidays. Also, certain ethnic groups were seen to be effective working in specific industries, and these stereotypes became self-fulfilling prophecies in many parts of New York City.
