This week's post concludes my examination of the evolution of federal census questions from a purely “what they asked & when” standpoint:
1900
This last census of the 19th century kept many of the questions asked on the 1890 census—some of them modified or combined.
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1910
While a couple of questions were removed, this was the year the total number of questions went over 30.
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1920
After some give and take on this census, the number of questions dropped back under 30 to 29.
After some give and take on this census, the number of questions dropped back under 30 to 29.
- the mother of how many children and how many living questions were removed
- nativity was expanded to include “Mother Tongue” of the person and each parent of the person; the year of naturalization question also resurfaced
- the did you work questions were eliminated
- “Farm or House” deleted
1930
The number of questions again climbed over 30 to 32.
The number of questions again climbed over 30 to 32.
- Home Data section expanded to question the value of the home if owned or the monthly rent if not and whether or not they had a radio set
- “Age at first marriage” added
- Nativity section modified in that the “Mother Tongue” questions for the father and mother of the person were removed. Census takers were to “See Instructions for additional entries required for certain countries”
- “Mother Tongue” still asked if the person was foreign born
- a two-question “Veterans” section added
1940
1940 is the first year we are able to tell who gave the information to the census taker. The person is identified by a circled “x”. It is also a very employment-focused census. The 1930 Occupation and Industry section, which asked five questions more than doubled in the new “Persons 14 Years and Over – Employment Status” section. This census also introduced “Supplementary Questions.” These questions were asked of every person who wound up on lines 14, 29, 55, or 68; they dealt with nativity of parents, mother tongue, veteran status, social security, employment, and “women who are or have been married.”
- highest grade of school completed added
- residence as of 1 April 1935 added
- two-question “Income in 1939” section added
Here ends my analysis of U.S. Federal Census evolution.
It seems the instrument originally used to determine taxation and representation evolved into a social statistics survey.
I wonder why the 1890 was the only one labeled as such?
Anyone with the answer or an opinion about it should drop me a line. I would appreciate the insight.