The Joan Moore Papers, 1963-1996

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Summary

Creators:
Moore, Joan W.
Abstract:
This collection of approximately 28 linear feet of papers represents the background research underlying Dr. Joan Moore's groundbreaking books and research studies. Chief among them are her books: Homeboy: Gangs, Drugs and Prison in the Barrios of Los Angeles (Temple University Press, 1979) and Going Down to the Barrio (Temple University Press, 1992) Both of which are widely respected for their insights into Mexican American gangs. Dr. Moore's "Drug Posses, Gangs and the Underclass in Milwaukee" study focuses on the African American community. Methodologically these studies expand the Chicago School's community research approach by incorporating actual gang members into the research team. More importantly, Dr. Moore's findings have provided important theoretical insights into deviance and social problems.
Extent:
28 linear feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], The Joan Moore Papers, 96, Chicano Studies Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists mostly of research compiled by Joan Moore for various studies she conducted, particularly on two Los Angeles-based Mexican American gangs: White Fence and El Hoyo Maravilla. It includes dozens of transcripts of interviews with gang members and their families, as well as some of the original audio tapes. There are also secondary research materials such as clippings and articles and maps of gang activity. There is also some material for a study of women and heroin abuse.

Biographical / historical:

Dr. Moore has made a major contribution to the social sciences in the area of crime, drugs and gangs. Arguably, no scholar is as widely cited as is Dr. Joan Moore in this field. She has numerous articles, book chapters, and books in this area. Her two books Homeboy: Gangs, Drugs and Prison in the Barrios of Los Angeles (Temple University Press, 1979) and Going Down to the Barrio (Temple University Press, 1992) are widely respected for their insights into Mexican American gangs. Homeboy is considered by many a "classic" in this field. More recently, her "Drug Posses, Gangs and the Underclass in Milwaukee" study focuses on the African American community. Methodologically these studies expand the Chicago School's community research approach by incorporating actual gang members into the research team. More importantly, Dr. Moore's findings have provided important theoretical insights into deviance and social problems.

Acquisition information:
This collection was donated by the University of Milwaukee Wisconsin on behalf of Dr. Joan Moore.
Processing information:

Processed in 2012 by an unknown person. Finding aid edited in 2020 by Jason Lowder under the supervision of Doug Johnson. The editing occurred during the global pandemic so there was no physical access to the material.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in the following series, which presumably reflects Joan Moore's own organization.

  • Series 1. Women and Heroin
  • Series 2. Youth Culture Study
  • Series 3. Barrio Impact Study
  • Series 4. History / Chapters on Programs
  • Series 5. Interviews and Questionnaires
  • Series 6. Chicano Pinto Research Project
  • Series 7. Police Data
  • Series 8. Cliques Statistics
  • Series 9. Publications
  • Series 10. Audio Tapes

Physical location:
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Library and Archive for paging information.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research.

Terms of access:

These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of materials, including but not limited to infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], The Joan Moore Papers, 96, Chicano Studies Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Los Angeles, Chicano Studies Research Center Library, 193 Haines Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1544, US
Contact:
(310) 206-6052
librarian@chicano.ucla.edu
Website