ABSTRACT

The study of the occupational structure and social mobility of immigrants and their descendants supplies a series of indicators for the evaluation of the extent and degree of integration into the adoptive society. The transformation of Brazil from a rural to an urban society during the course of the twentieth century introduced great changes into the social structure, creating a large middle class. The bulk of Jewish immigrants to Brazil established themselves in the principal cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo during the period between the two world wars and again shortly after World War II. Empirical evidence seems to suggest that the age of entry into the labor market depends on the individual’s social origin and family background. Jewish businesspeople are found in nearly all sectors of industry, trade, and services. With regard to the political dimension, Jews have been visibly integrated into the ruling system.