Exploring Multiracial identity, demographics, and the first period identity crisis: the role of the 2020 United States Census in promoting monocentric norms

ABSTRACT Guided by Multiracial critical theory and actor-network theory, this study examines how the United States Census options for ethnicity and race reinforced monocentric norms (the assumption that everyone should fit into a distinct racial-ethnic category) and White Supremacy for Multiracial individuals. Five hundred and thirty-nine Multiracial young adults answered open-ended questions about the 2020 United States Census, including why they chose specific ethnic-racial categories and how they felt about the choices provided. Overall, we found that the U.S. Census stabilized monocentric norms and White Supremacy by (1) stabilizing monoracial assumptions, (2) stabilizing the exclusion of racialized groups, and (3) stabilizing Asian American stereotypes. However, Multiracial participants could challenge and destabilize these norms by filling out the Census strategically. Finally, we discuss policy implications and how social scientists, researchers, and data collection agencies can measure race and ethnicity more compassionately and comprehensively to reduce Multiracial stigma.