Research
SAAPRI conducts research on issues of importance to South Asian Americans in response to community needs. Projects are designed to create dialogue and better understanding among various communities, and ensure the betterment of South Asian Americans. While the research enlists the help of community members and organizations as well as student interns, it adheres to the highest academic standards and rigorous scholarship.
Current Research
Our Immigrant Story: South Asians Americans in Illinois, 1945-1965
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South Asian students at a picnic in Chicago, circa 1959 |
2006
In late 2005, SAAPRI began collecting the oral histories of South Asians who came to Illinois between 1945 and 1965. This was the first attempt by any group to document the history of South Asian immigration to Illinois in the pre-civil rights era, and explore how they were affected by issues of race, gender and homeland politics.. The project attempted to understand the challenges faced by this generation of South Asian immigrants, both in the immediate context of their arrival in Illinois and the broader context of world history. It examined the circumstances of their migration, their patterns of settlement, the facilitating agents and supporting institutions, and the structural and cultural barriers to advancement. The project brought together a pioneering group of immigrants whose voices might have been lost to history but for this effort. Another special feature of this project was that the interviews were conducted and/or transcribed by university students or family members of the younger generation. SAAPRI will also collect memorabilia and other archival materials to preserve our immigrant history.
Memories and Milestones: South Asian Americans in Illinois, 1945-1965
2007
This project is a continuation of the “Our Immigrant Story” project, using the same methodology. It is being expanded to include interviewees from downstate Illinois and beyond the Chicago metro area.
Through community forums and dialogues, SAAPRI is in the process of creating and distributing a publication that provides a pictorial and narrative history of the South Asian immigrant experience. The publication will be supported by a traveling exhibit of the photographs and memorabilia. The project also includes a virtual exhibit which will feature photographs, audio files, and documents that will be widely accessible to the general public.
(Report in progress)
Completed Research
Developing Devon: Creating a Strategic Plan for Economic Growth through Community Consensus
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Devon Avenue in the heart of Chicago's Little India |
2007
Since the 1980s, the growth of a diverse population and bustling retail establishments on Devon Avenue on Chicago’s north side has created a reputation for the neighborhood as an international marketplace. Yet its very diversity has posed one of the greatest challenges in bringing the community together to chart a clear and unified path to greater economic progress. A once-vibrant neighborhood is in danger of sliding into disrepair, and of driving away the very shoppers and businesses and residents who sustain it. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, SAAPRI undertook a project to create a long-term plan for the economic development of the neighborhood. Their input was sought in a variety of ways, including one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. These conversations became the cornerstone of the plan to build consensus and commitment for revitalizing the Devon area.
Health Care For All
2005
In October 2005, SAAPRI coordinated a health research initiative for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Center for Minority Health to identify the health access needs and disparities facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in Illinois. On-line surveys and in-depth telephone and face-to-face interviews were conducted by SAAPRI with key informants from 20 community-based organizations and service providers. The surveys and interviews addressed client demographics, health access barriers, and policy recommendations. We also asked key informants to provide client stories that illustrate specific health access barriers. The report identifies the main health access barriers for AAPIs and makes policy recommendations to help overcome them.
Making Data Count: South Asian Americans in the 2000 Census with focus on Illinois
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South Asian Americans in the United States |
2005
This report examines the demographic and socio-economic data from the 2000 census to construct a profile of the South Asian American population from the national down to the census tract level. It identifies the most important issues facing the South Asian American community, and shows how census data can be used effectively to advocate for social reform. The report, published with support from the Chicago Public School’s Office of Language and Cultural Education, will help community organizations, political leaders and social activists in the South Asian and Asian American communities to further their agendas and bring about much-needed political, social and economic reform for their constituencies.
