Behind the Numbers takes a look at specific measures or indicators to provide a better understanding of what the data for the indicators mean, how data are used and where you can get them.

Dictionary definitions Webster defines race as “a division of mankind possessing traits that are transmis- sible by descent and sufficient to charac- What is the difference between race, ethnicity, and ancestry? terize it as a distinct type”; ethnicity as “a quality or affiliation Race encompasses inherited, characteristic traits. Ethnicity refers to relating to large groups of people classed cultural origin. Ancestry is simply a line of descent. according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural How are data collected? origin or background”; and ancestry as Usually self-reported in a survey. “line of descent.” In other words, race depends on the biological or physical Where can I get data on race, ethnicity and ancestry? traits of the people from whom you come, The U.S. Census Bureau, various Departments for ethnicity depends on more non-physical particular programs, and others. aspects of the people from whom you come, and ancestry depends simply on from whom you come. When do I use the data: As one measure of community diversity. Census Bureau explanations The definitions above correspond, for information concerning religion. Thus, if a • These categories should not be the most part, with Census Bureau tabula- cited his religion as an answer to interpreted as being scientific or anthropo- tions of three characteristics: ancestry, the ancestry question, that answer was logical in nature. Hispanic origin, and race. However, the tabulated in the “other groups” category. • The racial classifications used by the Census Bureau uses the term “ethnicity” Census Bureau adhere to those issued by when discussing both ancestry and Hispanic origin the federal Office of Management and Hispanic origin. In addition to race and ancestry, the Budget (OMB). These include: Census Bureau collects information on  White, Ancestry Hispanic origin, which it considers a  Black or African American,  • Ancestry refers to a person’s ethnic specific ethnicity. Origin can be viewed as American Indian or Alaska Native,  origin or descent, “roots,” heritage, or the the heritage, group, lineage, or Asian, and  place of birth of the person, the person’s country of birth of the person or the Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific parents, or their ancestors before their arrival person’s parents or ancestors before their Islander. in the United States and includes things like arrival in the United States. Beginning with the 2000 Census, German, Egyptian, or even Cajun. People who identify their origin as respondents may select all races with • Ancestry should not be confused with Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino may be of any which they identify. There has also been a person’s place of birth, although a race. an option for “other” that may be dropped person’s place of birth and ancestry may be in future censuses. the same. Race Most federal data distinguishes Hispanic • Although some people consider • The concept of race reflects self- origin separate from race, as someone with religious affiliation a component of identification by people according to the origins in Spain is likely to be White identity, the ancestry question included in race or races with which they most closely Hispanic, whereas someone from Guate- the Census was not designed to collect any identify. mala is likely to be American Indian Hispanic. Be aware in using multiple data sets that 200 North Third St., Suite 600 some entities classify Hispanic as a race, Harrisburg, PA 17101 requiring a Black Hispanic, for example, Phone: (717) 787-9555 to choose the one aspect with which she www.ruralpa.org most identifies. 1P0107-50