Multiracial versus collective black categories: Examining census classification debates in Brazil

Current census debates in Brazil surrounding Brazilian race categories center on two contrasting proposals: the adoption of the multiracial moreno term vs. the use of the collective black classification negro. Those proposing the former base their argument on the right to self-classify according to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ethnicities 2006-03, Vol.6 (1), p.74-101
Main Authors: BAILEY, STANLEY R., TELLES, EDWARD E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult education
African Americans
Ambiguity
Black people
Brazil
Censuses
Classification
Ethnic Identity
Ethnicity
Race
Racial discrimination
Racism
Saliency
United States of America
White people
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Summary:Current census debates in Brazil surrounding Brazilian race categories center on two contrasting proposals: the adoption of the multiracial moreno term vs. the use of the collective black classification negro. Those proposing the former base their argument on the right to self-classify according to one's own sense of identity. Proponents of the negro category contend that it would be most efficient for redressing racial discrimination. We examine the meaning and saliency of these categories and explore the possible consequences of their adoption. Using national survey data, we demonstrate how education, age, color, sex and local racial composition structure the choices of moreno and negro over official census terms. Findings include a negative correlation between education and the choice of moreno, while the opposite is true for negro. In addition, an age effect on both categories suggests a popular shift in racial labeling away from official census terms. We note that similar issues structure current census debates in the USA.
ISSN:1468-7968
1741-2706
DOI:10.1177/1468796806061080