Directions, Magnitude, and Efficiency of Interregional Migration, 1970-1990: Jews and Whites in the United States Compared

This study presents a two-dimensional comparison, over time (1970 and 1990) and intergroup (Jews and total whites), of interregional migration streams. Both lifetime and five-year migration are examined. Data from the 1970/71 and 1990 National Jewish Population Surveys and from the U.S. Censuses of the same years show that the directions of internal migration of Jews and total whites were similar, i.e., from the Northeast and Midwest to the Sun-belt. By 1990, however, net migration for each region- both for the gaining region and for the losing region- had a more significant effect on the Jewish population than on the white population. The initial differences in regional distribution between the two subpopulations have narrowed. Multivariate analysis shows that Jewish migration can largely be explained by educational attainment and employment opportunities. Over time, Jewish migration has become less selective, as seen, inter alia, in the declining importance of denominational identification. The findings are discussed in relation to the integration of Jews into the host society and, more generally, to the geographic dimension of minority status in late 20th century America.