Deep Dive with Shawn C. Fettig

From Numbers to Narratives: Dr. Dan Bouk on the U.S. Census and American Democracy

Oct 1, 2023

01:02:27

Promising an enlightening journey through the historical and contemporary significance of the U.S. Census, I'm joined by esteemed scholar Dr. Dan Bouk - professor of History at Colgate University and author of the book Democracy's Data: The Hidden Stories in the U.S. Census and How to Read Them. This episode unearths the nuanced power dynamics and biases inherent in the census process. With a focus on the 1940 Census, a task monumental in scale, we uncover the detailed process of transforming raw data into a compelling narrative about who we value as a society.

We investigate the poetic yet complex process of conducting the census, shedding light on the intricacies of data literacy and the potential pitfalls of interpretation. Dr. Bouk offers valuable advice for researchers and analysts, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and conveying uncertainty in statistical data. Moreover, we explore how this counting of people creates narratives about societal importance, resonating particularly when considering marginalized groups and queer communities.

Unmasking the suppression, survival, and blossoming of marginalized communities through the lens of census data, we endeavour to understand how this vital tool impacts the power distribution among states. We analyze the effects on American democracy, considering the challenges and potential of an accurate and inclusive census count. In conclusion, we reflect on the immense potential of the U.S. Census, not just as a data gathering tool, but as a means to shape a more representative and united America.

Recommended:
Democracy's Data: The Hidden Stories in the U.S. Census and How to Read Them - Dan Bouk

Mentioned:
The 272: The Families who were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church - Rachel L. Swarns
Close to the Machine - Ellen Ullman
Thinking Like an Economist: How Efficiency Replaced Equality in US Public Policy - Elizabeth Popp Berman
The Wandering Mind: What Medieval Monks Tell Us about Distraction - Jamie Kreiner