The Complexity of Categorization in Colombian Census Data

The census data in Latin American countries, including Colombia, is often debated for its accuracy. This controversy arises because self-identification plays a crucial role in how people categorize themselves, influencing statistics that may not reflect true racial percentages. In Colombia, for example, the integration and self-identification of individuals challenge traditional racial classifications.

Disputable Census Results and Self-Identification

Many Latin American countries, including Colombia, have census data that is often seen as disputable. This is due to the high degree of mixing that has occurred over the past 500 years. Castizos (those with recent European ancestry) and lighter skinned mestizos (those with mixed European and Native American ancestry) often identify as 'white' despite not being fully of European descent. Similarly, darker-skinned mulattoes (mixed African and Native American) and triracials (those of mixed racial backgrounds) may fully identify as Black African, and darker mestizos may identify as fully Native. It is almost impossible to know the true percentages of these groups, as they have intermixed for centuries. For instance, in Argentina, estimates of the percentage of pure European descent range from 40% to 80%.

Argentina’s Diverse Racial Composition

Argentinians estimate that pure European descent comprises 60% of the population, while other sources put this number as high as 80% or as low as 40%. Personal experience suggests that the true percentage of pure European descent could be closer to 60%, with the remaining 40% consisting of castizos and mestizos. The high number of castizos is due to the mixing of pure European settlers with existing mestizos.

Colombia's Unique Approach to Ethnic Classification

In Colombia, the classification of ethnic groups is not solely based on racial ancestry, but also on self-identification with a culture and traditions. The primary criterion for classification is self-identification with a group. This self-identification plays a crucial role in how people categorize themselves within the census data.

Racial Diversity in Colombia

Colombia boasts a racially diverse population, with people from various racial backgrounds adopting Colombian culture. These individuals have no reason to identify as indigenous Amerindians or any other officially recognized ethnic group. As such, it is not accurate to group mestizos with whites, as this would imply that mestizo is a racial classification subordinate to white, and that white is an officially recognized ethnic group, neither of which is the case.

Default Categorization and Self-Identification

The default category in the census is 'no ethnic group,' which applies to people from any racial background who do not identify with any of the recognized ethnic groups. This does not equate to 'white' but rather a reflection of a broader Colombian identity. Similarly, mulattoes often identify with Afro-Colombian culture and traditions, leading to their inclusion in the 'black' category in official documents, contingent on their self-identification.

Conclusions

The complexity of categorization in census data underscores the importance of self-identification and cultural integration. The census data presented in Latin American countries, particularly in Colombia, thus provides a nuanced view of a population that reflects both biological heritage and cultural affiliation. As such, it is essential to recognize and respect the self-identified ethnic and racial classifications of individuals to better understand the true diversity of these communities.

Keywords: Colombian census, race and identity, mestizo classification, self-identification, ethnic classifications