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Deracializing Social Statistics: Problems in the Quantification of Race

Author

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  • Tukufu Zuberi

    (University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

Race is usually defined as an individual attribute fixed at birth and is employed by researchers as a variable with potential for causing change in some other aspect of that same individual. When an individual's race can change (as in Brazil), race is not an attribute but a dynamic characteristic dependent on other social circumstances. In the United States, an individual's race cannot change and thus is considered an individual attribute. As such, social statisticians may have measured racial classification correctly. The major error is in how race has been interpreted. The author suggests a new language to express things that our current language handles inadequately. This new language attempts to increase the efficiency of communication about the statistical analysis of race.

Suggested Citation

  • Tukufu Zuberi, 2000. "Deracializing Social Statistics: Problems in the Quantification of Race," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 568(1), pages 172-185, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:568:y:2000:i:1:p:172-185
    DOI: 10.1177/000271620056800113
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    References listed on IDEAS

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