Mapping Assimilation: The Geographic Evolution of Jewish Migration (1890-2020)

Degree Year

2025

Document Type

Thesis - Oberlin Community Only

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Sociology

Advisor(s)

Veljko Vujačić
Shari Rabin

Committee Member(s)

Veljko Vujačić
Gregor Mattson
Daphne John
Christie Parris

Keywords

Jews, Jewish, Migration, Assimilation, Spatial assimilation, Genealogy

Abstract

This thesis examines how spatial assimilation shaped the geographic migration of American Jews between 1890 and 2020. As Jewish communities moved from urban enclaves to suburban and geographically dispersed areas, their migration patterns reflected broader trends of socioeconomic mobility and cultural integration. This study combines genealogical research with census records and archival data to trace Jewish mobility across multiple generations. A decade-by-decade analysis explores key migration trends, including the transition from immigrant neighborhoods to the suburbs after World War II. The study also examines how Jewish institutions, such as synagogues and schools, adapted to these geographic shifts, balancing assimilation with cultural continuity. By linking migration patterns to theories of spatial assimilation, this research highlights how Jews navigated the dual pressures of integration and identity preservation. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to broader discussions on immigration, urbanization, and the evolving nature of minority identity in America.

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