Population and Society Overview

Population and Society

• Main sources of demographic data include censuses, vital registration, and sample surveys.
• Reproductive history surveys (Beall and Leslie) are also used.
• Sources of error in data collection include coverage errors and content errors.
• Early censuses date back to Babylon (3800 BCE), China (3000 BCE), Egypt, and Rome.
• Sweden's first census was in 1749, followed by the US (1790) and England (1801).

National Census History

• Early censuses often estimated population size by counting houses and multiplying by a guessed average household size.
• Arthur Young (1741-1820) advocated for regular censuses (every five years).
• He critiqued the inaccuracy of relying on randomly guessed population numbers.
• Original census purposes included government revenue and military conscription.

US Census

• The US Constitution mandates a census every 10 years.
• The process involves complete population enumeration.
• Questions and categories are adjusted based on changing needs.
• Methods have evolved from enumerators physically asking questions to mailed forms and online options.
• Legal provisions guarantee data confidentiality and penalties for false answers or non-response.

Distinction Between US Census and ACS

• The US Census is conducted every ten years, encompassing a full enumeration.
• In contrast, the American Community Survey (ACS) is an annual, sample-based survey providing more detailed information.
• This survey gathers data on jobs, education, home ownership, Veteran status, and more.

What Demographers Can Do With Census Data

• Analyzing census data aids in understanding population demographics.
• Data can be used to determine population size, distribution, age-sex composition, and identify population changes over time.
• Population growth or decline trends can be analyzed.
• Cross-tabulations focusing on various characteristics such as race/ethnicity and occupational details help gain specific insights.

Vital Statistic Registers

• Vital registers track vital events—births, deaths, and marriages.
• These registers are historically important for administrative purposes.
• They're essential for legal identification and establishing vital records.
• Accurate recording helps to calculate rates for births, deaths, and marriages, and analyze age/sex-specific patterns.

Reproductive History Survey

• Issues with this method center on its data quality relative to other methods.
• Time constraints are an important concern in terms of the time that surveys take.
• Alternative, simpler survey methods are often more practically viable in data collection.

Errors in Surveys and Censuses

• Content errors can occur due to enumerator mistakes, respondents misunderstanding questions, or deliberate misrepresentation.
• Coverage errors may happen during surveys and censuses where certain demographics are undercounted due to factors like avoiding surveys or the surveyors missing people.