Ethnic Identification Among American Jews: Socialization and Social Structure

What is a Jew? Who is a Jew? have long been important sociological questions. The authors, in addressing these issues, focus on the individual’s interpersonal relationships during the socialization process and their personal integration in a social and organizational context. They assert that Jewish education, positive Jewish experiences with parents and peers during adolescence and ongoing involvement with other Jews is necessary and important for Jewish identification. This important study on factors shaping Jewish identification is often cited. Originally published by D.C. Heath in 1974. This edition contains a new preface by the authors.