Social Activities

            Chicago’s famous Little Italy founded one of the richest cultures outside of a home country. From the end of the 18^th and the beginning of the 19^th century, Italians, mostly male, immigrated to escape extreme poverty. America would provide them with religious freedom, economic opportunities and independence to practice their distinct culture. The heavy reliance on religion brought the Italian community in Chicago together; compared to their divide country of provinces. In continuation, The Italians cuisine is a large contributing factor to their well-known culture which provided them with unique business advances.

            Early Italian immigrants, strictly Roman Catholic, desired to continue their religious practices. Almost as if to develop their demise even further, Irish American clergies dominated most of the churches (Italian Imm.) - hatred towards Irish branched from the constant fight over jobs such as working on railroads or in factories. The role of the church was an essential aspect to Italian life – “[i]talian Americans showed their faith more externally and emotionally then Irish Americans… placed more emphasis on the saints” (Petrini 75) - as more Italians came over many established their own parishes. As they built religious architecture around towns, many churches became the center for social gatherings. Parks for children and homes expanded around the parishes, developing the importance of religion into their everyday life.              

Although many cultural customs stayed with Italian immigrants, relating to religion, marriage traditions diluted due to the language barrier and social behaviors regarding it: “[a]ccording to Italian tradition, not just the couple but their parents had to agree on the match” (Petrini 30). So the majority of single men that came to America desired to return home for marriage even though this was incredibly difficult. Many historians today call these immigrants “birds of passage”, which referred to people that never planned on making the states a permanent home (Digital). When one would return home, the American attitudes and new found wealth changed the expectations and ambitions of young Italians back at home, alluring them to leave (Petrini 32).

             Family was at the heart of every Italian community. A traditional Italian family was “father-headed, but mother-centered” (Italian Amer.). Women inside the home had significant roles in keeping the family network afloat; although outside the home women were not allowed to receive education and employment. Due to such traditional upbringings many generations began to see tensions arise; one example of this refers to women’s right to proper education around the 1930’s. In addition to the father, children were expected to help by providing labor and assistance (Italian Amer.). Many worked in factories or in the home with their mother. Schooling for children didn’t become of much importance due to American schools unable to compensate for their difference in language. Although Italians failure to learn English held them back academically, it helped them feel connected to each other, bringing a family dynamic to the area (Petrini 81).   

Later on, around the 1920’s many Italians were criticized for their character in regards to the prohibition period and their “gangster” persona perpetuated through films and literature (Italian Amer.). Many faced verbal abuse, insulting stereotypes, and physical violence (Petrini 89), which in response this probably brought them together even more than before. Prior, through xenophobia and Americanization, congress began to limit immigrants, especially Italians. Even during World War II Italian immigrants faced this hostility as a result of America fighting their home country who sided with Germany. Italian families and areas stuck together holding on to their strict beliefs as they have done before.    

 Religion and family is a crucial element of Italians that enriched Little Italy, another importance, that still shows today, is the food. When Italians came to America they brought their delicacies with them, which was considered exotic to Americans who have never experienced an Italians plate. This influenced the Italians to re-create their home dishes and making roof top gardens which incorporated traditional produce, kept their heritage alive (Petrini 77). Today Italian cooking has dramatically distanced itself from the traditional meals, which would incorporate coarse black bread, wine, and specialty dishes on holidays. The Americanized dishes such as pizza and spaghetti and meatballs are not generally known in Italy (Italian Amer.) these deriving from the original ideas of Italian cuisine fails to include the ingredients they rely heavy on.   

              Overall socially, Italians in Little Italy of Chicago were like most Italian immigrants coming to America from 1870 to 1930’s. Their family and religious traditions were held upon a very high pedestal, being the most important thing culturally that brought them together. Through judgements they continued to thrive publically by staying together. In addition to culture, their extravagant menu excites Americans still today with memorable dishes and restaurants that are sprinkled over Little Italy.         

This video shows the importance of Italian cuisine in their culture, expressed through the many restaurants that are still standing today in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood.