Ethnic succession, in sociology, refers to the pattern of neighborhood ethnic segregation seen in many communities across the United States. First, a group is segregated because of its lower economic earnings. Next, the members of that group work to achieve an income matching or exceeding that of the majority ethnic group. Then they move out of the neighborhood and become part of the larger population. Finally, they are replaced by a new ethnic group that continues the cycle.

Causes

Ethnic succession was first described by sociologist Daniel Bell, who taught at Harvard, as a migration of immigrants into communities previously occupied by another immigrant group. When new ethnic groups move to America, they are viewed with suspicion and prejudice at first by an overwhelming majority of the population. This social cue influences them to self-segregate into communities made up of their own ethnicity. It is difficult, at first, for the newly arrived group to earn a salary that is near that of the already established ethnic group, so they are forced into low-income jobs and housing.

Results

Even when the immigrants are able to earn the same amount as the dominant group, they still tend to self-segregate into nicer areas, like the suburbs. As each wave of people moves out into the more expensive areas, new waves of people move in to the projects and low-income housing to begin anew.

Cycle

Ethnic succession is a cycle that continues pouring new immigrants into communities that are being vacated by already-established immigrants. Cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco have neighborhoods that are referred to entirely by their ethnic makeup, like Chinatown or Little Italy. When an area begins to be dominated by a newly arrived ethnic group, whites tend to move to the suburbs, making more room for ethnic succession to continue.

Concerns

The lack of integration bars some immigrant groups from the success they could achieve if they integrated more quickly when entering the country. Often these immigrants take low-paying jobs in industries populated by friends and family. There is little room for growth and while their employment may pay the bills, it does not allow for advancement. Newly arrived workers end up with little room for growth.

Source:

Racial and Ethnic Succession in Four Cities

Ethnic Succession Theory