Some evidence related to matrimonial selection and immigrant assimilation in Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Data obtained from a random sample show that in Sao Paulo intermarriage between Brazilians and foreigners gradually increased from the onset of heavy foreign immigrant in the 1870's up to the 1920's. Intermarriage occurs most frequently between Brazilians and those of Mediterranean origin, least so with Japanese. It is concluded that common cultural characteristics facilitate intermarriage and that it is doubtful whether, as Savorgnan suggests, Italian endogamy in the U.S.A. is attributable to the immigrant's poverty and lack of education. The rates of assimilation for immigrants of various origins shown by the index of homogamy resemble those suggested by G. Mortara's study of linguistic assimilation. Matrimonial selection and linguistic assimilation appear to be equally usefull measures of immigrant absorption. Although there are differences in the ratesof intermarriage between Brazilians and the various nationalities, the rate of intermarriage between the foreign-born and persons of any nation...