Social constructs guide the normal living of people in modern society. Social constructs define how people interact and share ideas that promote living standards. Among the most importantly social constructs are race, ethnicity, and gender.
What the Census Might Have Called Me
The 1790 census was less sensitive to social construct than the 2020 census (Pew Research Center, 2015). For instance, as a Black African American, I would be called "Negro" in the 1970 census. However, in the 2020 census, I would be called "African American". In addition, the 2020 census allowed people to identify with their countries of origin and ethnicity (Frey, 2021). Despite the modifications that were made in the 2020 census, instances of racism and ethnicity were still profound.
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Social Constructs
The American census has changed significantly regarding race and gender as people continue to become more sensitive to racial identity (Vo, 2016). As a result, the Federal government developed more decent terms to name races that would not portray racism. In particular, the federal government dropped the word "Negro" and replaced it with African-American in the 2020 census (Pew Research Center, 2015). Race, ethnicity, and gender categorize citizens in the U.S. during the census (Mazumder, 2018). The U.S. citizens agree to be classified according to the three social constructs because they identify themselves (Kendall, 2000).
Better Future Census Categories
The 2030 census ought to be conducted to deters racism, ethnicity, and gender discrimination. In my view, the 2030 census should have only two categories. The first category should be for Americans born in the country, while the second category should include Americans born in other countries but migrated to America. These two categories will deter racism and ethnicity because people will not identify with skin color or country of origin.
Conclusion
The United States census has been in existence for over 200 years. Over the years, it has evolved to include categories that classify people according to race, ethnicity, and gender. Although race, ethnicity, and gender are social constructs, they promote social vices.
Summary
The United States census portrays racism, ethnicity, and gender discrimination. Therefore, a new category that does not depict race, ethnicity, and gender must be developed in the 2030 census to end these social vices.
References
Frey, W. (2021). The 2020 Census Will Reveal About America: Stagnating Growth, An Aging Population, And Youthful Diversity. https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-the-2020-census-will-reveal-about-america-stagnating-growth-an-aging-population-and-youthful-diversity/
Kendall, D. (2000). Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/64289283/pdf-download-sociology-in-our-times-the-essentials-full-audiobook
Mazumder, S. (2018). The Census Has Always Been Political. Especially When It Comes To Race, Ethnicity, And National Origin. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/03/30/the-census-has-always-been-political-especially-when-it-comes-to-race-ethnicity-and-national-origin/
Pew Research Center. (2020). What Census Calls Us. https://www.pewresearch.org/interactives/what-census-calls-us/
Vo, L. (2016). 220 Years of Census Data Proves Race Is a Social Construct. https://www.vox.com/2016/8/18/12404688/census-race-history-intersectionality
