Using the Statistical Abstract of the United States

Module 1, Class Assignment

A Teaching Module Developed by the Curriculum Task Force of the

Sloan Work and Family Research Network

Statistical Abstract of the United States The National Data Book

http://www.census.gov/statab/www/

“The National Data Book contains a collection of statistics on social and economic conditions in the United States. Selected international data are also included. The Abstract is also your Guide to Sources of other data from the Census Bureau, other Federal agencies, and private organizations.”

The Statistical Abstract of the US contains statistics on…Section 1. Population

Section 2. Vital Statistics

Section 3. Health and Nutrition

Section 4. Education

Section 5. Law Enforcement, Courts, and Prisons

Section 6. Geography and Environment

Section 7. Elections

Section 8. State and Local Government Finances and Employment

Section 9. Federal Government Finances and Employment

Section 10. National Defense and Veterans Affairs

Section 11. Social Insurance and Human Services

Section 12. Labor Force, Employment, and Earnings

Section 13. Income, Expenditures, and Wealth

Section 14. Prices

Section 15. Business Enterprise

Section 16. Science and Technology

Section 17. Agriculture

Section 18. Natural Resources

Section 19. Energy and Utilities

Section 20. Construction and Housing

Section 21. Manufactures

Section 22. Domestic Trade

Section 23. Transportation

Section 24. Information and Communications

Section 25. Banking, Finance, and Insurance

Section 26. Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

Section 27. Accommodation, Food Services, and Other Services

Section 28. Foreign Commerce and Aid

Section 29. Puerto Rico and the Outlying Areas

Section 30. Comparative International Statistics

Section 1. Population – Tables 1-6 Section 2. Vital Statistics – Tables 70-113 Section 4. Education – Tables 202-288 Section 5. Law Enforcement, Courts, and Prisons – Tables 289-345 Section 11. Social Insurance and Human Services – Tables 518-568 Section 12. Labor force, Employment, and Earnings – Tables 569-640

Sections Most Relevant to Work-Family Studies Include:

Step 1: State a Research Question

Examples:

How have family structures changed over the past twenty years?

In what ways are race/ethnicity associated with family structure?

How have employment opportunities shifted over the past twenty years?

To what extent is poverty associated with family structure? Etc.

How do you define “family”?

Check to see how the data source has defined “family.” The Statistical Abstract defines family as:

“Family—The term family refers to a group of two or more persons related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together in a household. A family includes among its members the householder.”

Source: U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). Statistical Abstract of the United States 2004-2005.

Washington, D.C.: Department of Commerce, pp. 6.

Step 2: Define Key Concepts

Step 3: Identify Relevant Tables

Step 4: Enter data into a database. Create a

graph. Average Family Size by Year

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

1980 1990 1995 2000 2003

Two persons

Three persons

Four persons

Five persons

Six persons

Seven or morepersons

Source: U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). Statistical Abstracts of the United States: 2005. Washington, D.C.: Department of Commerce.

Interpret the Data to Answer the Question

Describe what you observe in words

Compare and contrast the data

Consider how the trends might impact work-family experiences