The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study by W.E.B. Du Bois examines the lives of individuals of African descent in late 19th-century Philadelphia. Du Bois provides a pioneering sociological analysis of their social, economic, and cultural conditions, addressing challenges and systemic issues faced by the community while highlighting resilience and agency.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Inspirational

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

409 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study by W.E.B. Du Bois is praised for its pioneering sociological research and thorough analysis of African American urban life in the late 19th century. It is lauded for its comprehensive data collection and impactful narrative. Criticism arises regarding its dense academic style, which may challenge general readers.

Who Should Read The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study?

A reader interested in social sciences, African American history, or urban studies would enjoy The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study. Similar to Souls of Black Folk by Du Bois or The Warmth of Other Suns by Wilkerson, this book offers a detailed sociological analysis of racial dynamics and urban life.

4.4

409 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study was the first sociological case study of an African American community, conducted by W.E.B. Du Bois in the late 19th century, offering groundbreaking insights into the social conditions of Black Americans.

This pioneering work was commissioned by the University of Pennsylvania, where Du Bois served as an assistant in sociology but had no faculty status; the institution did not initially appreciate the significance of his research.

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W.E.B. Du Bois utilized cutting-edge data collection methods for the time, including door-to-door surveys, to gather comprehensive information on the African American population in Philadelphia's Seventh Ward.

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Book Details

Pages

520

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Classic Fiction

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American Literature

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Education

Setting