The Economics of Contemporary American Jewish Family Life

Publication Date: January 1998

Publisher: Institute of Contemporary Jewry

Author(s): Carmel Ullman Chiswick

Research Area: Economics; Social conditions

Keywords: Demography; Socioeconomic status; Family

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The Jewish community in the United States has experienced a remarkable economic transformation during the twentieth century, from a community of impoverished immigrants to one of suburban professionals. This article first considers implications for American Jews' consumption patterns, including investments related to family life in general and Jewish family life in particular. Then follows an analysis of the effect of economic incentives on marriage, fertility and parenting, along with the consequences for American Jewish demographic patterns. The final section presents a brief summary of findings and some implications for the future of the American Jewish family.

In Studies in Contemporary Jewry 14, 65-80.