ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes Armenian-Americans, individually and collectively. Studies in the social sciences on Armenian-Americans have been few and far between; mostly descriptive accounts of traditional Armenian institutions. The book aims to fill that gap. It provides a sociological analysis of Armenianness as it unfolds with the passage of time and generations in the United States. The book shows that generational presence in the United States of America is the most important variable in explaining an individual's expression of Armenianness. It begins with a description of the historical antecedents of the dispute, and then looks at the role of the Armenian Church in maintaining communal life and identity. The book examines the traditional Armenian political parties and the challenging institutions that have emerged. It discusses the new realities in diaspora relations, especially the rapid changes that are taking place in the new Republic of Armenia.
