Current census debates in Brazil surrounding Brazilian race categories center on two
contrasting proposals: the adoption of the multiracial moreno term vs. the
use of the collective black classification negro. Those proposing the
former base their argument on the right to self-classify according to
one’s own sense of identity. Proponents of the negro category
contend that it would be most efficient for redressing racial discrimination. We
examine the meaning and saliency of these categories and explore the possible
consequences of their adoption. Using national survey data, we demonstrate how
education, age, color, sex and local racial composition structure the choices of
moreno and negro over official census terms. Findings include a
negative correlation between education and the choice of moreno, while the
opposite is true for negro. In addition, an age effect on both categories
suggests a popular shift in racial labeling away from official census terms. We note
that similar issues structure current census debates in the USA.
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