9.3 Changes in community structures and geographical dispersion

Japanese American communities underwent significant changes after World War II. The dissolution of prewar ethnic enclaves led to a shift away from concentrated "Japantowns" as people dispersed into broader urban and suburban areas.

Factors like wartime incarceration, economic opportunities, and changing social attitudes contributed to geographical dispersion. This urbanization impacted identity, with traditional practices adapting to fit urban lifestyles and family structures shifting from multi-generational households to nuclear families.

Postwar Changes in Japanese American Communities

Changes in community structures postwar

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• Dissolution of prewar ethnic enclaves led to shift away from concentrated "Japantowns" as communities dispersed into broader urban and suburban areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco)
• Emergence of new community organizations saw Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) gain prominence and formation of civil rights and advocacy groups (Asian Americans for Justice)
• Religious institutions transformed with decline of Buddhist temples as community centers while Christian churches grew and expanded their social roles
• Economic structures shifted from small family businesses to diverse professional careers increasing Japanese American entrepreneurship (tech startups, law firms)
• Cultural and social organizations evolved forming new sports leagues and youth groups while developing cultural festivals and events to maintain heritage (Obon festivals, taiko drumming groups)

Factors of geographical dispersion

• Wartime incarceration forcibly relocated and disrupted established communities while government policies encouraged resettlement outside West Coast (Chicago, Denver)
• Economic opportunities drew skilled workers to job prospects in diverse regions across the United States as industries grew in new areas (Detroit auto industry, New York finance sector)
• Housing discrimination through redlining and restrictive covenants in some areas prompted movement to neighborhoods previously closed to Japanese Americans
• Education and social mobility drove pursuit of higher education in various locations leading to professional opportunities and relocation (Ivy League universities, state colleges)
• Government resettlement programs like War Relocation Authority's efforts dispersed Japanese Americans providing assistance for finding housing and employment in new areas
• Changing social attitudes gradually reduced overt racism in some regions increasing acceptance in diverse urban centers (Seattle, San Jose)

Impact of urbanization on identity

• Traditional practices adapted to fit urban lifestyle blending Japanese and American cultural elements (fusion cuisine, modernized tea ceremonies)
• Family structure shifted from multi-generational households to nuclear families altering roles and expectations
• Language use changed with decline in Japanese among younger generations as English gained importance in daily life and business
• Community cohesion developed new forms of gatherings and events using technology to maintain connections across distances (online forums, virtual reunions)
• Cultural identity formation saw emergence of hyphenated Japanese-American identity negotiating between assimilation and cultural preservation
• Occupational shifts moved from agriculture and small business to diverse urban professions impacting traditional skills and occupational identities (corporate jobs, academic careers)
• Intermarriage and multiracial families increased outside the Japanese American community presenting challenges and opportunities for cultural transmission (mixed-race identity, bilingual upbringing)