Ethnic Differences, first published in 1989, explores how and why the Irish, Italians, Jews, and blacks of Providence, Rhode Island differed in their schooling and economic success. Drawing on evidence from thousands of students records of public, Catholic, and private schools, as well as on census manuscripts, city directories, and other sources, the book offers an integrated study of American ethnicity, education, and social structure. Joel Perlmann examines the extent to which differing career patterns, and reconsiders the relation between ethnicity and social class.

‘This is a superb book that will have a major impact on the historical profession. perlmann examines ethnicity in a way that no other historian has attempted to do. Using unusually rich and detailed data on schooling in Providence, Rhode Island, he explores the relationship between ethnicity and other factors, such as social class, in accounting for differences in education and occupational attainment. While the book is based upon sophisticated statistical analyses, the results are clearly presented in a fashion that makes them accessible to nonspecialists.’

Maris Vinovskis Source: University of Michigan

‘With meticulous and unprecedented detail, Joe Perlmann has reconstructed school attendance among adolescents in an American city during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. His is one of a handful of new works that, at long last, has begun to provide American secondary education with a historiography worthy of its importance.’

Michael B. Katz Source: University of Pennsylvania

‘Joel Permann’s excellent analysis represents a major contribution, not only to ethnic and educational history, but also to our current policy debates on these issues.’

Stanley L. Engerman Source: University of Rochester

‘This book will be essential for anyone concerned with the interplay of race, class, and culture in American society, and in the schools.’

David Cohen Source: Michigan State University