Assimilation of Christian Arab immigrants, 1948-1994

The purpose of this study is to examine the assimilation patterns of first generation Christian Arabs (Maronites, Melkites and Greek Orthodox) who immigrated to the U.S. after 1948. Intergroup marriages and cultural characteristics of a minority group are important factors in understanding the assimilation process. The effects of religion, education, occupation, age, gender and ethnic identity on Christian Arabs' attitudes towards marital assimilation and traditional values is examined.;Questionnaires are use to obtain this information. A modified snowball technique is applied in order to access to the sample. Multiple regression analysis is applied. The model successfully predicts attitudes towards traditional values, but not towards intermarriage. Age, education, types of social gathering attended by Arabs and perception of how Americans identify Arabs explains substantial variation in Christian Arabs attitudes towards traditional values.;This study concludes that the assimilation of first generation Christian Arabs is a complex process which is influenced by generation and factors existing in both this country and the country of origin.