How Sociology is Used to Provide a Portrait of America

• In Event: 1123 - Practice Symposium- Lightning Round on Tricks of the Trade: Building a Tool-Kit for Sociologists in Practice Settings

Abstract

Since the first Census in 1790, Census data have provided a portrait of the U.S. population each decade, and nearly every Introduction to Sociology class uses Census Bureau data to understand the United States. Data collected in the census are used by sociologists and other researchers working in federal, state, and local governments, researchers, non-profit organizations, and companies. These data are used by researchers for a multitude of reasons, including to develop public policy, provide federal funding, in the submission of grant applications, determining where to create new businesses, and many other uses.

This presentation will provide an overview of how sociological thinking is used every day at the Census Bureau to develop census data products. As part of the development of data products, Census Bureau researchers work together in multidisciplinary teams composed of sociologists, demographers, statisticians, and geographers. Throughout the development, teams use a variety of sociological methods, including statistical analyses, qualitative research, and consultation with outside experts, including sociologists and demographers, all of which inform the content of the final data products. The final data products provide critical insights to our society that are widely used by sociologists today.

Author

• Rachel Marks, U.S. Census Bureau