Aberbach-Walker Detroit Riot Studies records, 1967-1971

Summary

Creator:

University of Michigan. Institute of Public Policy Studies.

Abstract:

Records, 1967-1971, of the studies on the Detroit riot of 1967 conducted by Joel Aberbach and Jack Walker, staff members of the Institute of Public Policy Studies of the University of Michigan. Includes survey forms (1967, 1968 and 1971) and audio-tapes of interviews with Detroit civic leaders and administrative records of the project.

Extent:

24 linear feet

Language:

English

Call Number:

87200 Bimu C448 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Frank Boles, January 1986

Background

Scope and Content:

Measuring 24 linear feet, the records are divided into three series, one for each "wave" of interviews. The 1967 Survey Forms (13 linear feet) consists solely of completed survey forms. Each form is approximately 40 pages in length and asked respondents to answer a wide variety of searching questions. Information is regularly recorded on survey scales, but interviewers frequently augmented this information through annotations on the form.

The 1968 Survey material (3 linear feet) consists primarily of completed 1968 survey forms, which were about 30 pages each in length and similar in content to the 1967 instrument. In addition there are interviews with civic leaders that consist of both a survey form and a tape recording of the interview.

The 1971 Survey material (8 linear feet) consists primarily of survey forms that are very similar to those used in 1968.

Biographical / Historical:

Immediately after the 1967 Detroit riots, professors Joel Aberbach and Jack L. Walker conceived of a study to examine the attitudes of individuals throughout metropolitan Detroit. Financed by federal funds channeled through the Institute for Public Policy Studies, they established a team of interviewers who began to talk to a carefully selected sample population in September 1967. Follow up studies were conducted in 1968 and 1971. In addition to the sample population, interviews were conducted with a number of civic leaders in 1968. The findings of these surveys have been published in summary form, as well as in Aberbach's and Walker's jointly authored Race in the City: political trust and public policy in the new urban system (Boston: Little, Brown, 1973).

Acquisition Information:

The records were placed in the library by Professor Joel Aberbach (donor no. 7275 ) in 1985.

Physical Location:

Portions located in offsite storage; prior notification required for access.

Subjects

Click on terms below to find any related finding aids on this site.

Subjects:

African Americans -- Michigan.
Municipal government -- Michigan -- Detroit.
Riots -- Michigan -- Detroit -- History -- 20th century.

Names:

Aberbach, Joel D.
Walker, Jack L.

Places:

Detroit (Mich.) -- History -- 20th century.
Detroit (Mich.) -- Race relations.