The contents of this book are organized in seven chapters. Chapter one introduces this book as a study of the Italians in America--their cultural characteristics before migrating to the United States; their reasons for coming; the institutions they developed upon arrival; their problems of adjustment to the new society; their aspirations; their achievements. Chapter two focuses on the characteristics of the Italians who migrated to the United States and the reasons for their immigration. Chapter three discusses "Patterns of settlement." Chapter four focuses on the changes that have taken place in social institutions like the family and religion and have played a crucial role in the Italians' experiences in the U.S. Chapter five discusses another aspect of the assimilation process: the manner in which Italians as a group relate to other groups. Such phenomena as social acceptance or rejection, interethnic competition for jobs and space, intermarriage, and certain "pathological" responses, like crime, are analyzed. Chapter six, "Assimilation and Achievement," evaluates the degree to which Italians have adapted to American society and culture by their achievements with respect to education, jobs, and income. Chapter seven, "Conclusion," summarily discusses "processes of assimilation" and "responses to immigration." (Author/JM)