Between 1900 and 1910 more than two million Italians, mostly peasants from southern Italy, immigrated to the United States to escape poverty and find a better life. Most of the people that came over from Italy preferred urban living. This pattern was largely influenced by the importance Italians placed on family, neighborhood connections, and relationships where children feel obligated to remain close to aging parents. Many spent their whole lives in the same neighborhood, not even visiting other parts of the city or town. I know this was true with my grandparents and their parents. All of my family lived in the same city and town. Most of my family even lived in the same neighborhood while growing up.

Italians took pride in home ownership, not wanting to rent, because this meant that they were dependent on o

It is not uncommon to hear college-educated Italian Americans express anger at their parents for not giving them enough support and guidance, which has left them feeling quite insecure. I feel that this statement is not true within my family. My nuclear family and extended family is very supportive in my everyday life. They are always asking about work, homework, and other activities I am involved in. I am very thankful for such a supportive family.

1. Batterberry, Michael. Art of the Middle Ages. New York: McGraw-Hill Book

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3. Bury, J.B. The Cambridge Medieval History. Cambridge: The University Press,

utsiders. The home was a symbol of family, not of status, and the family table was at its center. Today when my grandparents are over to eat dinner no one can start eating until everyone is sitting down and we have said grace. My grandmother always makes this wonderful salad with every type of fruit and vegetable possible. Sometimes I am really hungry and can't help but pick at the salad that is sitting right in front of me. My grandfather always gets really angry because he has strong beliefs that no one should touch the food in front of them until everyone is sitting and has said grace together.

In Italian families traditionally, the father has been the undisputed head of the household, often authoritarian and rigid in his rule setting and guidelines for behavior. His role has been to provide for and protect the family. This is very true to this day in my family. My mother tells me stories all the time about how my grandfather was really strict with his rules and beliefs. My grandfather is also very stern with his grandchildren, teaching them respect and discipline. In my nuclear family I know I have it a lot easier than my mother did when she w

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Approximate Word count = 1255
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)