With diversity becoming increasingly complex because of intermarriage, a UMass population expert anticipates a day when the entire subject of race will be looked at differently.
HADLEY — Susan G. Strate, who manages the population estimates for the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, said federal census numbers showing white babies were for the first time in the minority last year are consistent with what she has seen in terms of the majority-minority breakdown in Western Massachusetts.
Federal census numbers released Thursday show racial and ethnic minorities make up more than half the children born in the U.S.
“It’s interesting because now the majority is no longer the majority,” she said.
Strate has observed that the younger population is increasingly diverse. At the same time, the median age for people of white European origin is increasing.
“New immigrants are young and they’re having more kids,” she said. “Basically, as a trend, America is becoming more and more diverse.”
Although she did not have the figures available, Strate believes that Springfield and Holyoke reflect this trend by which younger minorities are becoming the majority. With diversity becoming increasingly complex because of intermarriage, Strate anticipates a day when the entire subject of race will be looked at differently.
“It used to be relevant if you were from England or France,” she said. “It’s reasonable to expect that how you think about race and minorities will evolve.”
Among other duties, Strate helps local cities and towns ensure that their population estimates are correct.