Final answer:
Southern Italian immigrants in America achieved partial success in preserving their cultural identity while integrating into society. Their cultural assimilation is nearly complete but with enduring ethnic characteristics, especially evident in Little Italy neighborhoods. Despite past challenges, the immigrants came together to form a unified Italian-American identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessment of Southern Italian Immigrants' Assimilation into American Society
After analyzing the historical progress of Southern Italian immigrants in America, especially with respect to the factors set up by White Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs), it is evident that these immigrants achieved partial success in preserving their cultural identity. Myers (2007) indicates that Italian Americans' cultural assimilation is "almost complete, but with remnants of ethnicity." The existence of Little Italy neighborhoods, which were originally segregated slums, and now serve as cultural hubs, exemplify this partial preservation.
Despite facing discrimination and prejudice in the past, the group's status improved post-World War II, thanks to their substantial military contributions and the emergence of other immigrant communities. Over time, the cultural isolation lessened and Italian Americans moved to suburbs at comparable rates to other White groups. Their shared experiences of discrimination in America led immigrants from different regions of Italy to unify as Italian-Americans, putting regional rivalries aside in favor of a common identity.
In conclusion, while complete assimilation did not occur as Italian Americans have maintained aspects of their heritage, they have become integrated into American society to a substantial degree. They are no longer segregated to the same urban enclaves, but their distinct culture can still be recognized in certain areas and practices.