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John C. Leggett Papers

 Collection
Identifier: LP001012

Scope and Content

The collection consists of writings and research related to John C. Leggett's career as a sociologist. Primarily, the collection contains surveys of Detroit residents conducted for Leggett's book, Class, Race, and Labor: Working Class Consciousness in Detroit.

Leggett established strict parameters for the surveys. Interviewers were required to confirm that survey respondents be male heads of household, with specific restrictions related to income, race/ethnicity, and place of birth. Surveys were conducted via in-person interviews at respondent households.

The survey contained questions related to respondents' race/ethnicity, employment, and political affiliations. Additional questions asked for participants' opinions on labor unions, strikes, and feelings toward other races/ethnicities.

Dates

  • Circa 1955-1960

Creator

Language of Materials

Material entirely in English.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials.

History

John C. Leggett was born in 1930 in Detroit, MI. He received his bachelor's degree, two master's degrees in political science and sociology, and his doctoral degree in sociology from the University of Michigan. He was the author of numerous books and articles on a variety of subjects but his main focus was on the impacts of class and race on society.

In 1960, Leggett began conducting surveys of Detroit residents. The surveys were used by Leggett as the basis of his book, Class, Race, and Labor: Working Class Consciousness in Detroit, published by Oxford University Press in 1968.

Extent

6 Linear Feet (6 SB)

Abstract

Collection consists of documents related to sociologist John C. Leggett's career. Primarily includes research related to Leggett's book Class, Race, and Labor: Working Class Consciousness in Detroit.

Arrangement

Folders are listed by their location within each box . Folders containing surveys are arranged in numerical order.

Acquisition

Donated by John C. Leggett on November 3, 1980.

Processing History

Processed and finding aid written by Jared Quist on February 20, 2020.
Title
Guide to the John C. Leggett Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Jared Quist.
Date
2020-02-20
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Walter P. Reuther Library Repository

Contact:
5401 Cass Avenue
Detroit MI 48202 USA