Economic Conditioning of Integration of Polish-Americans into the American Society

Abstract

The development of human culture can be well observed when two national cultures are in contact, interaction and free exchange of cultural values, goods, experiences and talents. Emigration and ethnic groups are of importance here as long as they preserve their; cultural identity — produce the common good and the system of social interaction. Having their own culture they participate in creating the culture of the whole society.

The article presents the role of the in-group and out-group integration of Polonia. Hard life conditions of early Polish immigrants and the lack of their mutual material support highly precipitated the process of assimilation of unorganized individuals. The first integration of Polonia into the American society concerned the economic level (participation in trade unions). The economic factor, namely, the insurance of the fraternal organizations (Polish Roman Catholic Union, Polish Alliance) laid the foundations of social life and preservation of cultural identity. The lack of social funds, however, makes the development of ethnic culture impossible and shows how weak the social life of Polonia is.