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

• Published in: Ethnicities Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 74 - 101
• Main Authors: BAILEY, STANLEY R., TELLES, EDWARD E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA SAGE Publications 01-03-2006
• 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; USA; racism; census categories; racial identities; multiracial
• ISSN: 1468-7968; 1741-2706
• DOI: 10.1177/1468796806061080

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.