Among one of his earliest empirical studies in sociology was The Philadelphia Negro, published in 1899. In this research, Du Bois studies the urban lifestyle in America. His is a classical work of urban ethnography and urban ecology. Other historians identify the work as a definitive study of racial relations at that time. In his letter of credentials, Du Bois revealed that he intended to conduct research on the living conditions and social setting of the colored people that lived in the Seventh Ward. Further indications revealed that he would investigate topics such as occupational opportunities, lifestyle and children educational participation. Du Bois main objective was to provide reliable statistics that would be a basis for necessary reforms.
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He proceeds with a description of the many social problems affecting the black community in Philadelphia, with particular interest in those living in the Seventh Ward. He narrowed his survey to this area in order to provide accurate information about housing conditions and social class. The author used census data to identify wider general trends regarding the issues of population distribution, marital status and literacy. Du Bois used ethnographic data to cover topics on prejudice, crime and discrimination. A historical analysis was used to provide a broad context for comprehending the development of various issues like growth of support structures such as churches and community development of the black people in Philadelphia …show more content…
The literate population of the blacks was higher in the city as a whole compared to the ones residing in the ward (p.83). The author also documented that the men of color that worked in the transport and trade industry was lower compared to the number of those that were involved to personal and domestic service sectors. Du Bois attributed this observation to the lack of ability of the men to secure job opportunities in the industry related fields. Occupational data showed that the African American women and men from the ward were considerably underrepresented in the mechanical and manufacturing industries (p.111). In the same context, the black women residing in the Seventh Ward were twice as much more likely to be involved in the personal and domestic
He proceeds with a description of the many social problems affecting the black community in Philadelphia, with particular interest in those living in the Seventh Ward. He narrowed his survey to this area in order to provide accurate information about housing conditions and social class. The author used census data to identify wider general trends regarding the issues of population distribution, marital status and literacy. Du Bois used ethnographic data to cover topics on prejudice, crime and discrimination. A historical analysis was used to provide a broad context for comprehending the development of various issues like growth of support structures such as churches and community development of the black people in Philadelphia …show more content…
The literate population of the blacks was higher in the city as a whole compared to the ones residing in the ward (p.83). The author also documented that the men of color that worked in the transport and trade industry was lower compared to the number of those that were involved to personal and domestic service sectors. Du Bois attributed this observation to the lack of ability of the men to secure job opportunities in the industry related fields. Occupational data showed that the African American women and men from the ward were considerably underrepresented in the mechanical and manufacturing industries (p.111). In the same context, the black women residing in the Seventh Ward were twice as much more likely to be involved in the personal and domestic