The gradual generalization of the collection of ethnic statistics in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom explicitly acknowledges the existence of 'minority ethnic groups' within its national population. The main official reason for the ethnic question included for the first time in the 1991 census was to improve socio-demographic understanding of these populations and their handicaps, so as to help in the creation of specific policies intended to favour their integration. However, the ethnic question presents numerous limitations and defects, which have been revealed by the Census Validation Survey conducted immediately after the census. For example, the classification used prevents the correct identification of people of mixed origin or of their children, and the coverage rate varies with the geographical localization, age, sex and ethnic origin of individuals. Despite these shortcomings, most of the surveys which already existed have adopted this new standard and the ethnic classification of the British population has spread to all fields of social analysis. It may be noted that statisticians are working to solve the problems encountered, by refining the formulation of the ethnic question in preparation for the next census in 2001.