@article{Yao_44_21,
author = {Yao, Esther S. and Meissel, Kane and Bullen, Pat and Clark, Terryann and Morton, Susan and Atatoa Carr, Polly},
title={{Classifying multiple ethnic identifications: Methodological effects on child, adolescent, and adult ethnic distributions}},
journal = {Demographic Research},
volume = {44},
number = {21},
pages = {481--512},
doi = {10.4054/DemRes.2021.44.21},
year = {2021},
abstract = {Background: The burgeoning global multi-ethnic population, in conjunction with the importance of accurate ethnic group counts for research and policy purposes, make classification of multiple ethnic responses a complex but important issue. There are numerous possible classification approaches, differing in ethical implications and ease of statistical application. 

Objective: This study empirically examines the validity and consistency of three comparatively accessible ethnic classification methods (total response, administrative-prioritisation, and self-prioritisation) in increasingly ethnically diverse age cohorts (adults, adolescents, and children). 

Methods: We utilised secondary data from two large-scale studies in Aotearoa/New Zealand which asked children (N = 6,149; responded via mother proxy), adolescents (N = 8,464), and adults (N = 11,210) to select (1) all the ethnicities they identified with, and (2) their main ethnicity. The data were coded, then analysed using descriptive statistics and z-tests for proportional differences. 

Results: The majority of multi-ethnic participants were able to select a main ethnic group when required, but around 20% could not or refused to do so, and there was over 60% discrepancy between self-prioritised ethnicity and administrative-prioritised ethnicity. Differences by age group and ethnic combination were apparent. Comparison of overall ethnic group proportions outputted by the three classification methods revealed within-group variation, particularly where there were higher rates of multi-ethnic identification. 

Contribution: This study empirically demonstrates that researchers’ choice of ethnic classification method can have a strong influence on ethnic group proportions. Researchers should therefore select the classification method most appropriate for their research question and clearly report the method employed. },
URL = {https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol44/21/},
eprint = {https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol44/21/44-21.pdf}
}