On air: What personal information would you give a national census?
|14:04 UK time, Thursday, 12 August 2010
It's been confirmed by ministers that India's imminent census will include questions about caste, and it's upset a lot of people.
The arguments are this...
a) If we know about caste, then it's easier to introduce policies to prevent prejudice. Such as this article argues.
b) By asking about caste, you continue to acknowledge and encourage that prejudice.
It's a fascinating debate and we'll hear some of it. There is though a broader discussion here. Firstly, about how much personal information you'd be prepared to give a census. And secondly, if a census is actually helpful at all.
Canada's debating if a census is necessary. And the next may be the last in the UK.
