Chicago Area Project records, 1932-1937.

Collection

Identifier: RG5338

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains material related to the first decade that CAP operated. It includes financial and organizational information, field reports from various places across Illinois and correspondences between various members of the organization.

Dates

1932-1937

Creator

Chicago Area Project (Organization)

Restrictions on Access

Access to this collection is unrestricted and open to the public.

Restrictions on Use

Items in this collection are subject to U.S. Copyright Law. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine the copyright status of collection items and to secure any permissions necessary for their reproduction and publication.

Historical Note

The Chicago Area Project (CAP) was founded in the 1930's by Clifford Shaw, a University of Chicago sociologist, who believed every neighborhood could reduce juvenile delinquency by improving community life. Shaw’s approach was to rally the parents to establish the Russell Square Community Committee. Shaw's objective was to lessen the attraction of delinquency for gang youth. Besides approaching youth - and encouraging families to take a leadership role in the community committees - Shaw also embarked on an even more controversial path. He began involving some of the "unsavory" elements of the community in neighborhood plans and the decision-making process. Recognizing that the "bad elements" of a community often wielded power and could not be simply avoided, Shaw actually solicited their support and utilized their power and strength to meet the community’s needs.

Extent

0.53 Cubic Feet ((2 boxes) )

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Chicago Area Project (CAP) was founded in the 1930's by Clifford Shaw, a University of Chicago sociologist, who believed every neighborhood could reduce juvenile delinquency by improving community life. This collection contains the records from the first decade of CAP's operation and includes financial records, field reports, and correspondence.