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Paesani versus Paisanos: The Relative Failure of Spanish Immigrants in Buenos Aires during the Age of Mass Migration

Author

Listed:
  • Leticia Arroyo Abad

    (City University of New York)

  • Noel Maurer

    (George Washington University)

  • Blanca Sánchez-Alonso

    (Universidad San Pablo-CEU)

Abstract

Millions of immigrants chose Argentina as the land of opportunity during the era of mass migration. Two immigrant groups, Italians and Spaniards, dominated the immigration flows. Despite higher literacy and their linguistic advantages, in Buenos Aires Spaniards fared worse when compared to Italians. By 1895, Italians enjoyed higher wages. What explains their paths in the city of Buenos Aires? We find that the Italian community capitalized upon pre-existing cultural traditions to establish denser and more effective networks to match their compatriots with economic opportunities. The more individualistic Spanish were unable to keep pace, despite their initial cultural, linguistic, and educational advantages.

Suggested Citation

  • Leticia Arroyo Abad & Noel Maurer & Blanca Sánchez-Alonso, 2020. "Paesani versus Paisanos: The Relative Failure of Spanish Immigrants in Buenos Aires during the Age of Mass Migration," Working Papers 0189, European Historical Economics Society (EHES).
    • Handle: RePEc:hes:wpaper:0189
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    2. Fernández, Martín & Tortorici, Gaspare, 2024. "Male and female self-selection during the Portuguese mass migration, 1885–1930," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    3. Jackson, Bella, 2024. "Returns to skills, skill premium and occupational skill-sectors analysis comparing Italian immigrants to the US and Argentina during the Age of Mass Migration," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 125829, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    migration; networks; Buenos Aires.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N36 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Latin America; Caribbean
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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