Assessing the Status of New American Groups Using Census Data

In this exercise, you will use information gathered by the U.S. Bureau of the Census to learn more about two of the “New American” groups covered in this chapter. This project adds to the information you gathered in Chapters 6 through 9. You can add the information for African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans from previous exercises. You will then use course concepts to assess and analyze this information and place it in the context of this text.

1. Choose two “New American” groups, one from each of the general categories (e.g., Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern, or African) covered in this chapter

2. Go to the official U.S. Census Bureau website at www.census.gov

3. Click “Data” from the list of options at the top of the home page and then click “Data Tools and Apps” 

4. Click “The American Fact Finder” – the top selection in the list on the page that opens

5. On the next page,

   • Click “Advanced Search”

   • Click “Show Me All”

6. On the next page, in the box in the middle of the page,

   • Click the button next to “Race/Ethnicity”

   • Type the name of your first group in the box under “race, ancestry, or tribe.” As you type, some suggested group names will appear.  If you are given a choice, select “alone or in combination …” Note, if you choose people from El Salvador as one of your groups, type “Salvadoran” in the box.

   • Click “Go”

7. The next screen will list a number of datasets. Look in the right-hand column and find the data set called 2012 ACS 3-year estimates. Click on “Selected Population Profile in the United States” for this data set

8. The Population Profile for your group will appear. Scroll down the table until you get to “Educational Attainment,” “Employment Status,” “Income in the Past 12 Months,” “Poverty Rates for Families and People …,” and “Housing Tenure.” Add the information to the table.  Data for the “Total Population” have already been entered.

   • NEW VARIABLE: Note that a new variable (Median age) has been added. This information is under “Sex and age,” one of the first categories in the table. For your convenience, scores for the total population, African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans have been added. These scores are from the 2012 3-year estimates Population Profile.

   • ADDING YOUR OWN VARIABLE: As you review the Population Profile, look for an additional variable that might add to your understanding of Asian Americans and other minority groups. Avoid variables that have been used in Chapter 10. Note the score for your group and, if you wish, find scores for the other groups listed in the table.

9. When you have entered all data, use your browser’s “Back” button to return to the previous screen.

10. Find the “Your Selections” box in the upper left of the screen and click the “x” next to “Asian … .” You will be returned to selection screen

11. The button next to “race/ancestry” should still be checked. If not, click on it to re-select it.

12. Type the name of your second group in the box and in the table below. Review Chapter 10 for group names. As you type the group name, some suggested group names may appear. If you are given a choice, select “Alone or in combination … “   (If you choose Indian Americans, be sure to type “Asian Indians” as the group name)

13. Click “Go” and repeat steps 7 and 8 for this group[1]

NOTE: THESE VARIABLES ARE SIMILAR BUT NOT IDENTICAL TO THOSE USED IN THE CHAPTER

Questions for Research Discussion

1. What stage of Gordon’s model of assimilation (see Exhibit 2.1) do the variables in the table measure?

2. Describe your groups using the Blauner hypothesis (see Chapter 4). Are they closer to the “colonized” or the “immigrant” types? How much human capital do they bring? Are they targeted by racial prejudice? Hate crimes? What stereotypes or perceptions dominate how they are perceived? Given this information, what would you predict about their relative status in American society?