Lecture - Race and Ethnicity Classifications

Racial and Ethnic Classifications

• Racial and ethnic categories have a long and evolving history in the US and other countries.

• The meanings of these classifications have changed over time.

  • How do we define ourselves? Complex identities often shape individual and group classifications.

  • How are we defined by others? Definitions vary across social and historical contexts.

Social Categories of Difference and Inequality

• Media often simplifies complex differences into dichotomous categories (e.g., black vs. white, male vs. female, etc.).

• In reality, these categories are socially constructed and have evolved historically.

• New categories have emerged over time reflecting the complex nature of identity and inequality.

US Census Bureau's Racial and Ethnic Categories

• Primary source of racial and ethnic data in the US, impacting economic statistics on inequality.

• The decennial census is the most significant survey, mandated by the US Constitution since 1790.

• Changes in racial and ethnic questions reflect evolving societal norms and demographic changes.

Historical Overview of Census Racial Categories

• 1790 Census: Only two categories; free white persons and slaves.

• 1870 Census: Introduced the category 'Chinese,' the first minority classification.

• 1980 Census: First ethnicity question was added regarding Spanish/Hispanic origin.

• 1990 Census: Allowed the inclusion of multiple racial categories for self-identification.

• 2000 Census: Encouraged respondents to select more than one racial identity.

• 2020 Census: Introduced distinct questions for race and Hispanic origin.

Changes in the Use of Terminology

• Asian: The term emerged but poses issues due to its broad geographic inclusion and the varying identities within.

  • National Geographic lists various Asian countries, illustrating the diversity within the category.

• Mexican as a Racial Category: Introduced in 1930 but removed due to protests; previously viewed only as white.

• Hispanic vs. Latino:

  • Hispanic: Defined as a distinct ethnicity, not a race, but carries limitations regarding recognition of non-Spanish speaking countries (e.g., Brazil).

  • Latino/Latina/Latinx: More recent terminologies favored by some groups, reflecting cultural heritage.

  • Many prefer identifiers based on specific heritage, e.g., Cuban, Salvadorian, etc.

Enumeration Method Changes

• Prior to 1960, enumerators determined race; self-identification began in the 1960 Census.

• Diversity Index: Measures the likelihood of two randomly selected individuals belonging to different racial or ethnic groups.

  • A score of 0 indicates uniformity, while a score of 100 indicates total diversity.

  • In 2010, Maine had a diversity index of 10.8%, while Hawaii's was 75%.

Racial and Ethnic Classifications

Racial and ethnic classifications have a long and evolving history, particularly in the United States and other countries, influenced by social, economic, and political factors. The meanings and implications of these classifications have shifted significantly over time, reflecting changes in societal norms and the demographic landscape.

Self-Identification and External Definitions

How do we define ourselves? Individuals often grapple with complex identities shaped by a multitude of factors such as culture, heritage, religion, and personal experiences. This interplay of identities can lead to multiple classifications for individuals or groups. Conversely, how are we defined by others? Definitions can vary widely across different social and historical contexts, leading to disparities in how various groups are perceived and treated.

Social Categories of Difference and Inequality

The media frequently simplifies complex social differences into dichotomous categories (e.g., black vs. white, male vs. female, etc.), reinforcing stereotypes and limiting understanding of the numerous identities that exist. In reality, these categories are socially constructed and have evolved historically, often reflecting the power dynamics and prevailing attitudes of their respective times. As society progresses, new categories have emerged, highlighting the intricate nature of identity and the ongoing struggles with inequality.

US Census Bureau's Racial and Ethnic Categories

The US Census Bureau serves as the primary source of racial and ethnic data in the United States, significantly impacting economic statistics related to inequality. The decennial census, mandated by the US Constitution since 1790, is the most significant survey capturing the nation's demographic landscape. Over the years, changes in the racial and ethnic questions posed during the census reflect evolving societal norms, increasing awareness of diversity, and demographic changes within the population.

Historical Overview of Census Racial Categories

• 1790 Census: Introduced only two categories - free white persons and slaves, showcasing the limited acknowledgment of racial diversity at the time.

• 1870 Census: Marked the introduction of the category 'Chinese,' representing the first minority classification in response to increasing immigration from Asia.

• 1980 Census: Added the first ethnicity question regarding Spanish or Hispanic origin, recognizing the distinct cultural identity of Hispanic individuals.

• 1990 Census: Allowed respondents to identify with multiple racial categories, reflecting a growing understanding of multiracial identities.

• 2000 Census: Further encouraged respondents to select more than one racial identity, acknowledging the complexity of racial categorization.

• 2020 Census: Introduced separate questions for race and Hispanic origin, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of identity.

Changes in the Use of Terminology

The term ‘Asian’ has emerged as a broad descriptor but poses challenges due to its wide geographic inclusion and the diverse identities encapsulated within. National Geographic and other resources document various Asian countries, showcasing the rich variety within this category.

Mexican as a Racial Category

The concept of ‘Mexican’ was introduced in the 1930 census but faced backlash, leading to its removal. Initially considered only as part of the white race, the evolving recognition of cultural identity led to its complex reclassification.

Hispanic vs. Latino

• Hispanic: Defined as a distinct ethnicity rather than a race, this term is often criticized for its limitations in acknowledging non-Spanish-speaking countries (e.g., Brazil), and does not reflect the varied experiences within the Hispanic population.

• Latino/Latina/Latinx: These more recent terminologies are increasingly favored by various groups and seek to represent cultural heritage more accurately. Many individuals prefer identifiers related to their specific heritage, such as Cuban, Salvadorian, etc.

Enumeration Method Changes

Prior to 1960, enumerators were responsible for determining an individual's race; however, beginning in the 1960 Census, self-identification became the standard. The Diversity Index measures the likelihood that two randomly selected individuals belong to different racial or ethnic groups. A score of 0 indicates uniformity, while a score of 100 indicates total diversity. For example, in 2010, Maine had a diversity index of 10.8%, indicating low diversity, while Hawaii exhibited a much higher score of 75%, reflecting its multicultural society.