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All That is Just Ersatz: The Meaning of Work in the Life of Immigrant Newcomers
Article first published online: 1 FEB 2013
DOI: 10.1111/etho.12000
© 2013 by the American Anthropological Association.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Roberman, S. (2013), All That is Just Ersatz: The Meaning of Work in the Life of Immigrant Newcomers. Ethos, 41: 1–23. doi: 10.1111/etho.12000
Publication History
- Issue published online: 1 FEB 2013
- Article first published online: 1 FEB 2013
Funded by
- Hebrew University Rector and Social Sciences Doctoral Scholarship, DAAD
- Jewish Memorial Foundation Research
- Fulbright Postdoctorate Fellowship
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