A Social History And Demographic Investigation Of The City Of Waterloo, Iowa, With Recommendations For Improving Interracial Relations Among The Citizenry

Abstract

The problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the various possible contributing factors which led to the social and racial problems confronting the people of Waterloo, Iowa, and to provide recommendations which may help to solve these problems. Procedure. Historical and social investigation was used to determine the causes and extent of the problems. Such literature as existed in early histories of the area, books on minority group relations and its history, current newspapers and periodicals, interviews and personal experiences were investigated and the findings correlated. Findings. It was found that the problems grew from the development of the city, the background of its population, and national social changes. Conclusions. The study indicated that segregation had been brought about by several factors: the physical development of the city, an inability to foresee problems which would be brought about by technological change, a lack of concern by majority and minority individuals, widely different levels of education which produced a large unskilled labor force, and the tendency of like groups to segregate themselves. It was apparent that little effort was being made on a city-wide basis to alleviate any of the problems brought about by segregation; and that, unless individuals were directly involved, few were deeply concerned with the problem. Although the schools had made efforts to find a solution, their efforts were strictly within the school situation; and other facets of community life such as industry, business, churches, and civic organizations were not so involved. The study indicated that the problems could only be solved through total community effort in the areas of social reeducation, broad programs aimed at helping people adapt to technological changes, and cooperation on the part of all the citizens in working toward industrial and business expansion on a broad and varied basis. Recommendations. It was recommended that the first step in solving the problems dealt with individual reeducation and that efforts needed to be made in housing, industry, adult education, city planning, and transportation.