Race and Research: Representation in Data

Stat: 46.8 million: The number of people in the United States who identify as Black.

Story: The census shows that the U.S. is growing more diverse racially and ethnically, and reflecting this evolution in research data has become even more essential. In this episode, Mike Dimock, president of the Pew Research Center, describes how the Center is addressing these changes in public opinion polling and why examining the nuances behind these demographic shifts helps us better understand society’s diversity. And Yolanda Lewis, who heads The Pew Charitable Trusts’ public safety and justice work, discusses why inclusive research is vital in informing how the criminal justice system handles mental health issues.

Related resources:

Our Survey Methodology in Detail

The Changing Categories the U.S. Census Has Used to Measure Race

Mental Health and Justice Partnerships

The Growing Diversity of Black America