Census - Research Paper Example

China The Chinese census is principally conducted using an enumeration method, although registration is also conducted for births, deaths and marriages. Additionally, China sends out registration survey in preparation for the full-scale census before the actual enumeration begins. The most recent census was conducted in 2010, and has occurred semi-regularly since 1913, with the last three being done ten years apart. Prior to 1990, enumeration was conducted every 8-31 years (Foster, 2011). The Chinese census data is primarily gathered by enumerators, or census-takers, and due to the large population size over 6 million of these were employed for the 2010 effort.

This method of collecting census data is periodic, although as previously mentioned statistics are gathered on a continuous basis also. There are also more regular data inputs from various samples, with 1% of the population being questioned in 1995 and 2005, and 0.1% of the population being questioned on a yearly basis (BBC, 2011). Some of the major problems with the Chinese census stem from the simple fact that it is difficult to gather information on 6 billion people living within one autocratic nation.

Although the error margin for the 2010 Chinese census was estimated to be only 2%, this represents over 26.7 million people. Another issue with the Chinese census has been that Chinese people have gradually been becoming aware of the rights that they have when it comes to privacy, and it has been noted that around a third of Chinese residents would be uncomfortable with letting the enumerators into their homes (Branigan, 2011). Opposition has, however, been minimal. Germany Germany uses the registration method for births, deaths and marriages but has not held an official enumeration census since 1987.

Between 1875 and 1910, the census was held every 5 years, but since then full population censuses have been sporadic, mainly because Germany was split into East and West for a large part of the 20th century. A census was planned to take place in each of the separate German countries, as well as Austria, in 1991, but the country was unified and a census became impossible. It was replaced with a 1% population census. Germany is, however, taking part in the full European Union census in 2011 in place of the population samples that Germany has relied upon in recent years.

Past censuses were complete enumerations which involved participant interviews and extensive questionnaires, which required a huge workforce and significant cost to the government (Zensus, 2011). The 2011 census will, as a result, be based mainly upon the registration information that already exists, whilst more personal information on education and labour will be done by personal interview from a third of the population. Some information on buildings will be collected by postal services. As in China, the people of Germany also have fears concerning privacy.

The last census of West Germany in 1987 caused massive public outrage, with protests taking place. The 2011 census brings with it similar claims although the level of opposition is much reduced. It has been noted that the census appears to be collecting more information than the EU requires, meaning that respondents feel the German government is behaving like a Big Brother state (Jas, 2011). Conclusion Both countries have very different histories concerning the census, with China holding fairly regular complete enumerations and more frequent population sampling, while Germany being less consistent because of its modern history.

The most recent effort within both countries has however been very similar, with attempts to gather information on all residents being done by the enumeration method on these occasions. The information collected from both countries will be used to improve services such as education and healthcare, which is perhaps why levels of opposition within both countries has been fairly minimal. Works Cited Branigan, Tania. “China census figures reveal ageing and urbanised country | World news | The Guardian.

” 28 Apr 2011. 9 May 2011. Foster, Peter. “China begins recording of first census in a decade.” Telegraph.co.uk. 9 May 2011. Jas. “Germany Launches First Census since Reunification.” Das Spiegel 9 May 2011. “New census shows China is ageing.” BBC 28 Apr 2011. 9 May 2011. “Zensus 2011: Home.” 9 May 2011.