Population and Society: Race & Ethnicity Trends

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a new race/ethnicity category added by the Census Bureau in 2024?

Middle Eastern or North African (correct)

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

American Indian or Alaska Native

Hispanic or Latino

What trend is projected for the white population by 2045?

It will become a minority as other populations grow. (correct)

It will become younger due to rising fertility rates.

It will increase substantially due to higher birth rates.

It will remain stable due to immigration.

Which group is said to have near replacement fertility, coupled with some immigration?

Asian

Hispanic

White

Black or African American (correct)

Who is NOT counted as White according to the Census guidelines?

Hispanics who self-identify as White (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of hypodescent imply?

A child of mixed descent is classified as a minority automatically. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the fastest growing category in the census data?

Multiracial category (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the multiracial population change from the 2000 census to the 2020 census?

Increased from 9.0 million to 33.8 million. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason the Hispanic population is expected to grow?

High immigration rates. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of hypodescent in relation to race classification?

A child of mixed descent is automatically classified as a minority. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in the 1960 Census regarding race classification?

A mail-in form was used for the first time to collect data. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why did early racial categories in the Census include terms like 'Mulatto'?

To document the perceived inferiority of mixed Black-Whites. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights view racial and ethnic classification?

It is justified only if used to combat discrimination. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do Hispanic individuals face in racial identification on forms?

Confusion arises after identifying as 'Hispanic' before race selection. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the notion of a 'minority white' America suggest?

Whites will become a minority relative to other ethnic groups. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key focus after the Civil Rights Movement in relation to racial classification?

To ensure data collection is used for legitimate purposes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options reflects the change in racial identification practices over time?

Complexity in identifying minority statuses has increased. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Population and Society

The US is projected to become a "minority white" population in 2045.
This is driven by increasing minority group populations and immigration trends.
White population is aging with a lower birth rate.

Race, Ethnicity, and the US Census

Race: A social construct, with 'white' historically being the standard but changing.
Hypodescent: The concept that a child of mixed descent is automatically classified as the minority race.
Race Counts (Strmic-Paul):
- How individuals self-identify is a key issue.
- Defining who belongs to a specific racial/ethnic group is problematic.
- Deciding which racial/ethnic groups should be accounted for is crucial.
Changing Data Collection Method:
- Early censuses (1790-1840) involved census takers creating forms based on government instructions.
- Categories included free white males, free white females, slaves, and "all other persons".
Mulatto: Historical use of the term to document the population of mixed race (Black/White) and infer inferiority.
1960 Census: First census allowing individuals to self-report race.
Post-Civil Rights Movement: The emphasis on using census data to address discrimination, program planning, and evaluation.
Current Census Categories (2024):
- Many race and ethnic categories now recognized.
- Includes American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic or Latino, Middle Eastern/North African, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White.

Race Counts (Strmic-Paul)

Historical and current issues of how to collect race/ethnic data.
Three key issues exist with self-identification, who constitutes a member of a particular race/ethnic group and what groups are recognized.

The Myth of a Majority-Minority America (Alba et al.)

Definition of who is considered 'White': Historical and current groupings of this concept.
Includes discussion of individuals who identify as White.
Discussion of groups who are not traditionally considered 'White' who may self-identify as White.
The concept of Hypodescent (child of mixed descent is automatically classified as minority).

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Description

Explore the complex dynamics of race, ethnicity, and population trends in the U.S. as we approach a projected 'minority white' status by 2045. This quiz delves into historical census practices, social constructs of race, and their implications in contemporary society.