Multiracialism and the Administrative State

Abstract

The 2000 decennial US Census was the first to allow respondents to select more than one category to designate their racial identification. It is argued that this change illuminates the political nature of the census, in general, & its racial & ethnic categories, specifically; it is further argued that politics pervades even allegedly "scientific" aspects of the census. Political motivations for switching to the multiraciality option are reviewed, citing the role of various interest groups & the leading political parties, & it is maintained that the census is inextricably bound up with the administrative needs of the welfare state. The difficulty of balancing the state's demands for authority with the nation's individualistic values is addressed, & it is concluded that multiracialism "will do more harm than good;" specific problems for affirmative action policies are noted. 29 References. K. Hyatt Stewart