China to Chinatown: exploring the development, use and meaning of the Chinatown in Manhattan, New York

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to determine what factors influenced the establishment of Chinatown in New York City; to examine Chinatown’s intangible aspects, especially lives and experiences of Chinese immigrant and their relationship with Chinatown; and to look at the places that were significant in the Chinatown’s history and important to people in the past. By analyzing its history, people’s lives, and physical spaces, I argue that New York’s Chinatown is and continues to be a major component in the lives of Chinese and a significant part of Manhattan. Chinatown works to guide its members into mainstream America society without losing their ethnic identity and solidarity.