BOOK NOTES: Ethno-national consciousness in U.S. is subject of immigration analysis (08/12/01)

BOOK NOTES

Ethno-national consciousness in U.S. is subject of immigration analysis

"Ethno-National Consciousness of the Ukrainian Immigrants in the United States" by Dmytro Bodnarczuk. Clifton, N.J.: 2000. 155 pp., Library of Congress Catalogue No.: 00-136731.

"Ethno-National Consciousness of the Ukrainian Immigrants in the United States," written by Dmytro Bodnarczuk, provides an English-language analysis of the wave of Ukrainian immigration prior to the first world war. Specifically, the book seeks to determine what factors led to the development and survival of an ethno-national consciousness among members of this group.

Using census data and historical accounts, Mr. Bodnarczuk discovers large disparities regarding the levels of nationalism within his sample of 12 Ukrainian immigrant communities. He enumerates the institutions and conditions common to the nationally conscious communities, as well as those that link the least nationalistic. In so doing, the author explores the effects of the Church, the Ukrainian National Association, educational institutions and the situation in Ukraine.

An understanding of the history of the early Ukrainian diaspora, Mr. Bodnarczuk believes, can offer clues as to how long the current Ukrainian American community will last. The concluding chapter features a case study of the small community of Spring Valley, N.Y., from its inception to the present day. Based on his analysis, this Ukrainian settlement should retain its ethno-national identity at least until the year 2050.

In conjunction with the information that comprises the body of the book, this account, though not a blueprint for success, is meant to impart the knowledge necessary to design a plan for the continued survival of Ukrainian national identity in the United States. Even as Ukrainian immigrants and their descendants are assimilated into American culture, Mr. Bodnarczuk feels that the rapid deterioration of the Ukrainian community is far from a foregone conclusion.

To acquire a copy of this unique compilation of diaspora history and statistics in the English language, please mail an inquiry to the author at: 3530 California St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

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