Census
Definition and Purpose
A census is a systematic procedure that collects and records information about the members of a given population. This term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common censuses include agriculture, business, and traffic censuses. The United Nations defines the essential features of population and housing censuses as "individual enumeration, universality within a defined territory, simultaneity and defined periodicity", and recommends that population censuses be taken at least every 10 years. United Nations recommendations also cover census topics to be collected, official definitions, classifications, and other useful information to co-ordinate international practices.
History
The word census originated in ancient Rome from the Latin word censere ("to estimate"). The census played a crucial role in the administration of the empires of Rome and later, the Byzantine Empire. The census was the only way to keep track of all citizens and their property in order to tax them correctly and to distribute military duties. The word is of Latin origin, and during the Roman Republic, the census was a list that kept track of all adult males fit for military service.
Modern Census
In the modern world, the census provides a snapshot of a country at a particular moment in time, and is used to inform policy decisions, including the allocation of resources. The data collected by a census is used by governments to plan public services and policies, and by researchers to learn about the demographic, social, and economic trends in a country. The census is also an important tool for businesses, who use the data to understand the size and characteristics of their target markets.
Census Methodology
The process of conducting a census involves several stages, from the initial planning and design, to the collection of data, processing and analysis, and finally, the dissemination of results. Each stage involves a number of technical, logistical, and methodological challenges, and requires careful planning and management to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data collected.
Planning and Design
The planning and design phase of a census involves determining the objectives of the census, the data to be collected, the methods and procedures to be used, and the resources required. This phase also involves the development of a detailed operational plan, which includes the design of questionnaires, the selection and training of enumerators, and the establishment of data processing systems.
Data Collection
Data collection is the most visible and labor-intensive stage of the census. It involves the enumeration of all households in the country, either through a door-to-door survey, or through a self-administered questionnaire. The quality of the data collected depends largely on the quality of the questionnaire and the training of the enumerators.
Data Processing and Analysis
Once the data has been collected, it needs to be processed and analyzed. This involves checking the data for errors, coding and classifying responses, and tabulating the data to produce statistical summaries. The analysis of the data involves interpreting the results and drawing conclusions about the population.
Dissemination
The final stage of the census is the dissemination of results. This involves making the data available to users in a form that is easy to understand and use. This may include the publication of statistical tables, reports, and data files, as well as the provision of customised data services.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its importance, the census is not without its challenges and criticisms. These include concerns about privacy and confidentiality, the accuracy of the data, and the cost of conducting a census. There are also concerns about the undercounting of certain groups, such as immigrants, the homeless, and people living in remote areas.