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Understanding Population Census Methods

A census is defined as collecting, compiling, analyzing and publishing demographic, economic and social data for all persons in a country at a specified time. There are two main methods for conducting a census - the de facto method, where enumeration occurs on a single night, and the de jure method, where enumeration occurs over 2-3 weeks. The de jure method allows enumerators more time to collect information but may exclude some temporary residents, while the de facto method risks excluding travelers. A census provides an intensive study of a population but is also costly and time-consuming for large populations.

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92 views3 pages

Understanding Population Census Methods

A census is defined as collecting, compiling, analyzing and publishing demographic, economic and social data for all persons in a country at a specified time. There are two main methods for conducting a census - the de facto method, where enumeration occurs on a single night, and the de jure method, where enumeration occurs over 2-3 weeks. The de jure method allows enumerators more time to collect information but may exclude some temporary residents, while the de facto method risks excluding travelers. A census provides an intensive study of a population but is also costly and time-consuming for large populations.

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Daniel Josh
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CENSUS

DEFINE:
“A census of population is the total process of collecting, compiling,
evaluating, analyzing and publishing demographic, economic and
social data pertaining, at a specified time, to all persons in a country
or in a well-delimited part of the country.”(U.N.O.)

METHODS (Minor)
❖ Direct enumeration
❖ Indirect enumeration
❖ Real enumeration
❖ Legal enumeration

METHODS (Major)
❖ De Facto Method
• The Census Commission fixes one date for conducting the
census throughout the country. Usually done on a full moon
night.
• The technique was followed both in India and England upto
1931 census.
• This is real enumeration method.
• MERIT: The entire work is completed within one night.
• DEMERIT: Those travelling during night are left out from
enumeration.
❖ De Jure Method
• The enumeration period of two to three weeks is fixed.
• Persons residing temporarily at a place are not enumerated.
Only persons residing permanently are counted in it.
• This is real and direct enumeration method.
• MERIT:
▪ The enumerators are given sufficient time to collect
information from the households.
▪ It is possible to collect a wide variety of information
relating to sex, age, language, education, occupation etc.

• DEMERIT:
▪ Persons who are not permanently residing at the place
are left out from enumeration.
▪ The same applies to persons who have two different
houses in two different towns and reside in them for the
purpose of business.

ADVANTAGES:
1. Intensive study.
2. Results are more accurate and reliable.
3. Suitable for heterogeneous units.
4. Indispensable in some cases.

DISADVANTAGES:
1. Costly method.
2. Needs more time and manpower.
3. Not suitable for the large population.
4. More statistical errors.
FEATURES:
1. Each individual is enumerated separately; the characteristics of
each person within the household are recorded separately.

2. The census covers a precisely defined territory and includes


every person present or residing within its scope. The housing
census should include every type of building and living quarters.

3. Each person and each type of building and living quarters is


enumerated with respect to a well defined point of time.

4. The census is taken at regular defined intervals, usually every 10


years.

Common questions

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The primary difference between the De Facto and De Jure census methods lies in their approach to enumeration and the time period over which the census is conducted. The De Facto Method involves a one-night enumeration process, typically on a full moon night, where all people present at a location are counted, including travelers; its merit is that the work is completed quickly, but it fails to account for those traveling at night . In contrast, the De Jure Method occurs over two to three weeks and counts only permanent residents, allowing for more detailed data collection but potentially omitting temporary residents and those with multiple homes . These differences impact the accuracy and comprehensiveness: the De Facto Method might miss travelers, while the De Jure Method may exclude non-permanent residents, impacting both the reach and precision of the collected data .

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