African Americans constitute one of the most interesting and dynamic components of the population of the United States. Unfortunately, an accurate assessment of their demographic characteristics is beset by inaccuracies in the underlying data. Using a novel strategy that combines record linkage and demographic/statistical analysis, the authors produce an internally consistent and robust set of estimates of the African-American population during the period 1930-1990. They interpret the record that emerges, with special reference to longevity trends and differentials. This work is of particular interest to demographers, sociologists and students of ethnic studies.

"Preston, Elo, and colleagues provide a definitive reconstruction of the demographic history of African Americans in the 20th century. Finally we have an accurate indication of the deplorable conditions that this population experienced in the past and continues to face today. That this history could only be recovered from flawed data at great effort speaks volumes about their second-class citizenship. That their life expectancy remains below that of citizens in some Third World nations today speaks of the great distance that lies before us on the road to racial equality."
*(Doug Massey, Princeton University, USA )
*"This thorough study helps fill in the demographic history of the African-American population. With the development of consistent sets of population estimates over the 60 year period (1930 - 1990), the work increases our understanding of the quality of the census data and the completeness of coverage of the African-American population. One of the important results is the disentanglement of the age, period, and cohort effects on coverage."
(J. Gregory Robinson, U.S. Bureau of the Census)

Inhalt

Background and Plan of Study.- 2. Data Conundrums.- 3. Ascertaining True Ages at Death Through a Matching Study.- 4. Understanding the Sources of Age Misreporting.- 5. Reconstructing the Size of the Population by Age and Sex.- 6. Mortality and Fertility Trends.- 7. Childhood Conditions that Predict Survival to Advanced Ages.- References.