Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, which classification is NOT recognized as a racial category?

1. Black or African American

2. Hispanic or Latino

3. Asian

4. American Indian or Alaskan Native

The correct answer is: Hispanic or Latino

The classification of "Hispanic or Latino" is not recognized as a racial category by the U.S. Census Bureau; instead, it is considered an ethnic category. In the Census context, "Hispanic or Latino" encompasses individuals of various racial backgrounds, which means that people who identify as Hispanic or Latino might also identify as White, Black, Native American, Asian, or of some other race. This differentiation is crucial because the Census Bureau collects data on both race and ethnicity, but the Hispanic/Latino category does not fit neatly into the racial classifications typically used, which include categories like Black or African American, Asian, and American Indian or Alaskan Native. Understanding this distinction is vital for interpreting demographic data accurately and recognizing the complexity of racial and ethnic identities in the United States.