The racial and ethnic composition of Philadelphia continues to diversify as a new wave of immigrantsolargely from Asia and Latin Americaoreshape the city's demographic landscape. Moreover, in a globalized economy, immigration is the key to a city's survival and competitiveness. The contributors to Global Philadelphia examine how Philadelphia has affected its immigrants' lives, and how these immigrants, in turn, have shaped Philadelphia. Providing a detailed historical, ethnographic, and sociological look at Philadelphia's immigrant communities, this volume examines the social and economic dynamics of various ethnic populations. Significantly, the contributors make comparisons to and connections between the traditional immigrant groupsoGermans, Italians, the Irish, Jews, Puerto Ricans, and Chineseoand newer arrivals, such as Cambodians, Haitians, Indians, Mexicans, and African immigrants of various nationalities. While their experiences vary, Global Philadelphia focuses on some of the critical features that face all immigrant groupsointra-group diversity, the role of institutions, and ties to the homeland.
Taken together, these essays provide a richer understanding of the processes and implications of contemporary immigration to the area. Contributors include: Jennifer Atlas, Rasika Chakravarthy, Keo Chea-Young, Noel J.J. Farley, Philip L. Kilbride, Garvey F. Lundy, Ajay Nair, Rakhmiel Peltz, Birte Pfleger, Joan Saverino, Ellen Skilton-Sylvester, Lena Sze, Victor Vasquez-Hernandez, and the editors.
