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Ordinary People, Extraordinary Outcomes: Why the Jews Flourished in America

May 2012. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Outcomes: Why the Jews Flourished in America. Barry R. Chiswick GWU and IZA. Conference on Religion and Economic Liberty. Jerusalem Institute for Market Studies Jerusalem, Israel May 20-23, 2012. Extraordinary People.

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Ordinary People, Extraordinary Outcomes: Why the Jews Flourished in America

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  1. May 2012 Ordinary People, Extraordinary Outcomes: Why the Jews Flourished in America Barry R. Chiswick GWU and IZA Conference on Religion and Economic Liberty Jerusalem Institute for Market Studies Jerusalem, Israel May 20-23, 2012

  2. Extraordinary People * US: Citizen of U.S. at time of award

  3. But What of Ordinary People (in 1890)? * Lived in US in 1885. Mainly German Jews. • Sources: 1890 Billings Report and 1890 Census (percent) • Notes: • Adult White Men • Detail may not add to total due to rounding

  4. 1910 Census (percent) Jews: Yiddish-mother-tongue immigrants and U.S. Born (2G)

  5. 1940 Census (percent)

  6. 1990 and 2000 NJPS and Census (percent)

  7. Jewish Successes Identifying and Seeking Out Opportunities and Niches in the Economy – Invented or Developed New Ways of Doing Business or New Industries Entrepreneurial/Decision Making Skills Examples: • Retail Trade – Department Stores • Garment and Related Industries (“Rag Trade”) • Entertainment (Theatre, Movies, Radio, TV) • PhD and Universities

  8. Why Jewish Success? • Religious/Cultural Emphasis on Learning and Study • Emphasis on Analysis of Texts (Decision Making Skills) • Genetics (High IQ?) – Selected Population Remained Jewish • Rapid Responses to Economic Opportunities • Identifying and Seeking Out Niches • Possible Only in an Environment that Provides Freedom to Develop Talents and Seek Out Opportunities

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