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 “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 Section 4. Education – Tables Section 5. Law Enforcement, Courts, and Prisons – Tables Section 11. Social Insurance and Human Services – Tables Section 12. Labor force, Employment, and Earnings – Tables 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 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 Source: U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). Statistical Abstracts of the United States: 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