Measuring Identity in the UK 2011 Census in England and Wales

1. Measuring Identity in the UK2011 Census in England and Wales Pete Stokes 2011 Census Statistical Design Manager Office for National Statistics

2. Summary • Background • Ethnic group and National identity • Religion • Language

3. Background • First “Identity” question asked in 1991 • Ethnic group • Requests from users for these data before 1981 • Required for increasing range of users and uses • Resource allocation, policy development, service provision • Respondents want specific tick boxes • No longer content to use “labels” chosen by us

4. Ethnic group & National identity • Respondents unhappy with “White British” option • Strong criticism in 2001 • Wanted to record themselves as English or Welsh • National identity question included to address • Increasing demands for new response options • Respondents unhappy with “write in” options • 8 options in 1991 and 18 in 2011

5. Ethnic group & National identity • Only 14 per cent of respondents with “White British” ethnicity have “British” National Identity • Majority identify with one UK country • Data useful for assessing integration • 82% with “Black Caribbean” ethnicity are “British” • 52% with “Chinese” ethnicity

6. Religion • First asked in 2001 • Only voluntary question in our census • Majority of respondents still answer • Used to target services and allocate resources • Often analysed with Ethnic group • Respondents want more tick boxes • Christian denominations • Smaller (in the UK) religious groups

7. Religion • Significant difference in economic activity between religious groups

8. Language • New questions in 2011 • Main language AND Proficiency in English • Significant demand from users • No alternative data in UK • Required following increased migration since 2001 • Uses will include provision of translation services

9. Language • Data help target resources and services effectively

10. Questions? Email: peter.stokes@ons.gsi.gov.uk