Theorizing the Adaptation of New Eastern European Immigrants

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the literature on the cultural, socioeconomic, structural, and political adaptation of post-1991 Eastern European immigrants. It continues with a critical review of competing theoretical perspectives on immigrant adaptation (i.e., classic assimilation theory, cultural pluralism theory, revisionist assimilation theory, and segmented assimilation theory). The goal of testing the applicability of these theories is to develop a theoretical base for understanding the adaptation process of new Eastern European immigrants, and contemporary American immigrants in general. The chapter proposes key research questions and discusses hypotheses to be tested in the book.