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Surname analysis for estimating local concentration of Hispanics and Asians

  • Applied And Local Demography
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Abstract

Surname analysis is a potentially useful technique for identifying members of particular racial, ethnic, or language communities within a population. We review the existing state of the art for identifying persons of Hispanic or Asian origin, based on surnames distinctive of each group. We describe the logic of surname analysis, profile several available surname dictionaries, and illustrate their applications in local redistricting. Results of our ongoing validation studies suggest promising future directions for improving accuracy and broadening applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The RAND Corporation, P.O. Box 2138, 90407-2138, Santa Monica, CA, USA

    Allan F. Abrahamse & Peter A. Morrison

  2. Bolton Associates, USA

    Nancy Minter Bolton

Authors
  1. Allan F. Abrahamse
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  2. Peter A. Morrison
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  3. Nancy Minter Bolton
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Abrahamse, A.F., Morrison, P.A. & Bolton, N.M. Surname analysis for estimating local concentration of Hispanics and Asians. Popul Res Policy Rev 13, 383–398 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01084115

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01084115

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