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An Individual Level Method for Improved Estimation of Ethnic Characteristics

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  • Tian Lan
  • Paul A. Longley

Abstract

This paper develops an improved method for estimating the ethnicity of individuals based on individual level pairings of given and family names. It builds upon previous research by using a global database of names from c. 1.7 billion living individuals, supplemented by individual level historical census data. In focusing upon Great Britain, these resources enable, respectively, greater precision in estimating probable global origins and better estimation of self-identification amongst long-established family groups such as the Irish Diaspora. We report on geographic issues in adjusting the weighting of groups that are systematically under- or over-predicted using other methods. Our individual level estimates are evaluated using both small area Great Britain census data for 2011 and individual level data for asylum seekers in Canada between 1995 and 2012. Our conclusions assess the value of such estimates in the conduct of social equity audits and in depicting the social mobility outcomes of residential mobility and migration across Great Britain.

Suggested Citation

  • Tian Lan & Paul A. Longley, 2023. "An Individual Level Method for Improved Estimation of Ethnic Characteristics," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 46(3), pages 328-353, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:inrsre:v:46:y:2023:i:3:p:328-353
    DOI: 10.1177/01600176221116568
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Justin T. van Dijk & Guy Lansley & Paul A. Longley, 2021. "Using linked consumer registers to estimate residential moves in the United Kingdom," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 184(4), pages 1452-1474, October.
    4. Gregory Clark & Neil Cummins, 2015. "Intergenerational Wealth Mobility in England, 1858–2012: Surnames and Social Mobility," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 125(582), pages 61-85, February.
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