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Archiver > APG > 2003-11 > 1068179733


From: "Richard A. Pence" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Race & Census self description?
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2003 23:35:45 -0500
References: <20031107031550.91100.qmail@web21207.mail.yahoo.com>


> In my MLS program, I recall learning in some sections
> of research courses that race--on census records--is
> self determined by the individual/head of household.
> This is certainly the case with recent mail in
> enumerations. How long has this been the case, and
> how will the answer affect the logic of this thread?

My recollection is that from 1870 on, enumerators were instructed to ask and
accept what was said concerning race. Prior to that, they were to make their
own assumption and record that.

This makes answers to the race question some of the least reliable (in any
year). As for the more recent responses to the race question, the most
notable thing is that there have been some giant increases in the number who
claim American Indian ancestry. Part of it is in the hope of getting a cut
of the benefits, but largely it is now quite "fashionable" to be Indian.

Richard






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