Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics are Remaking America

by William H. Frey

" At its optimistic best, America has embraced its identity as the world's melting pot. Today it is on the cusp of becoming a country with no racial majority, and new minorities are poised to exert a profound impact on U.S. society, economy, and politics. The concept of a ""minority white"" may instill fear among some Americans, but William H. Frey, the man behind the demographic research, points out that demography is destiny, and the fear of a more racially diverse nation will almost certainly dissipate over time. Through a compelling narrative and eye-catching charts and maps, eminent demographer Frey interprets and expounds on the dramatic growth of minority populations in the United States. He finds that without these expanding groups, America could face a bleak this new generation of young minorities, who are having children at a faster rate than whites, is infusing our aging labor force with vitality and innovation. In contrast with the labor force-age population of Japan, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the U.S. labor force-age population is set to grow 5 percent by 2030. Diversity Explosion shares the good news about diversity in the coming decades, and the more globalized, multiracial country that the U.S. is becoming. Contents A Pivotal Period for Race in America Old versus Cultural Generation Gaps America's New Racial Map Hispanics Fan Who Goes Where? Asians in The Newest Minority Surge The Great Migration of Blacks—In Reverse White Population Shifts—A Zero-Sum Melting Pot Cities and Suburbs Neighborhood Toward a New Racial Paradigm Multiracial Marriages and Multiracial America Race and Expanding the Battleground America on the Cusp "

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Sociology, Race, Business, Society

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Roger Gloss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although some might consider this thorough discussion of American population trends by an experienced demographer to be a bit dry, I found it quite engaging. This book explains the unprecedented political upheaval we are currently experiencing and, ultimately, offers hope for a better future based on a more diverse population, the continued blurring of racial boundaries, and the decline in power of an older white population that is trying desperately to cling to the past.

[Roberto Gallardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Eye opening for anybody interested in demographic trends in the US. Perhaps the most interesting argument set forth by the author is the cultural generation gap (measured as the difference between white seniors and white children). This gap basically confirms what has been a rumor in public policy circles for a while: the increasing disconnect between policymakers (older and white) versus a younger more diverse population. A battle will surely ensue as what to fund: programs for seniors or schools and programs for youth. One thing is certain however: an engaged, educated, and inclusive labor force is needed to support the increasingly older citizens. One more thing, if it weren't for minorities the US population would have declined as is happening in Germany and Japan.

[APRIL KENNEDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

America is changing. We need to make sure all children have the education they need to become all they can be! The neighborhood changes are happening right before my eyes.

[Allison Chang · Rating 3 out of 5]

A glossy, comprehensive overview of growing diversity: notice that it is ~not~ titled "Minority Explosion" as it does an adequate job breaking down America's demographics: not just whites, not just immigrants. Hearing "the melting pot" talks shift to an cries of and against "walls" and ICE or white supremacy or who-stole-who's-job, I wanted this to be an objective view into understanding the numbers and trends and it was rather that: a concise almost-encyclopedic collection of digestible data and charts with clear commentary. A good start to the conversation, but I think I'd have to go elsewhere to now gain insight or stories behind these cultures and livelihood.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"[F]rom a spatial perspective, new minorities are increasingly spreading out from large Melting Pot metropolitan areas to the New Sun Belt." (61)

"While the volume of new black migration to the South is important, so are the changes that black migrants are bringing to the South with regard to youth and social capital." (119-21)

"[A]n important milestone was passed when the 2010 census became the first to show a majority of each of the nation's largest racial minority groups residing in the suburbs." (164)

"[M]ore than one in seven newlywed couples are multiracial." (193-4)

[Michael Andersen-Andrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The foremost reason why I anticipate the integration of both new and old racial minorities into the nation's mainstream is the sheer force of the unprecedented change in the nation's demographics. The diversity explosion that the country is now experiencing will alter all aspects of society in ways that can help the nation prosper, make it more inclusive, and increase its global connectivity."

I concur with this statement and I welcome the "browning of America" with open arms.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound read. Really dissects the ethnic minority make-up around the country. The steady increase in the number of folks going South and West was intriguing. Frey also explains why all of this matters as we move closer to 2040 when the Census Bureau expects the number of ethnic minorities passes the number of non-ethnic minorities in the United States.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the increasing racial diversity of the American population. Presents tons of statistics on how diversity is spreading through the population, and discusses how the broad trend and the particular spatial and generational concentrations of different minority populations will effect the country going forward.

Seriously, lots of really detailed stats for people who love demographics.

[Anthony Saint Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely detailed and informative. I appreciated Frey's stratification of complex topics into bite sized chunks that are easily digestible. Highly recommended to anyone interested in U.S. demographic trends.

[Fernanda]

By 2027, the projection is that the population under 30 will be close to 50/50 whites/minorities. This will be a very natural, very welcome balance and hopefully, by then, we'll have adapted to globalization and the importance to educate each other and work together.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book for understanding the future of our country. Are demographics destiny? Review to come, maybe even a blog.

[Mills College Library]

305.80097 F8937 2015

[Bryan Ericson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found out about this book while reading an article. It provides a fascinating look at our country's changing demographics. Loved the chapter on presidential politics.

[Marquis Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must read for all who are committed to building a socially just and progressive community.

[Austin Barselau · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Diversity Explosion” is essential reading for those interested in looking under the hood of US demographic changes in the last couple decades. Splicing and analyzing 2010 Census data, author William Frey, research professor of population studies at the University of Michigan and Brookings fellow, presents a vivid case that the US is in the midst of demographic transition. With a bevy of maps, tables, and charts at his disposal, Frey explores several key racial demographic themes, including the growth and geographic dispersion of Hispanics and Asians (the so called “new minority” populations), the diminishing growth and rapid aging of the white population, reverse migration of blacks from north to south, increases in interracial marriages, and brewing political controversies that are the product of this demographic divide. All in all, this book is a masterclass in how to effectively present data and tell a story about the many brewing population trends in the country.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent analysis of the changes to the US population based on data from the 2000 and 2010 censuses. His focus is on the changes coming to the white majority population and the Hispanic, Asian, black and multi-racial populations. By the mid 2140s those groups will surpass the white population in numbers. Where and how this is occurring is what he discusses. I found it to be very insightful and illuminating. The only downside to the book is that it is very data intensive and should perhaps be thought of as a reference book rather than a more readable work of non-fiction.

[marmix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this one for work! I must admit, I read the first three chapters closely, and pretty much skimmed the rest. A great demographic overview of the future US and how that will impact American services and planning.

[Winston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, if you knew what you are reading it for. Very descriptive book that pretty much details the shift in demographics over the course of the next few decades in the U.S, and a few implications for what the shift will mean socially, politically, etc.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ch Ch Ch Changes —who, what, when and where

News reporters and politicians talk about what they perceive as the change for the day. This book provides insight into the four decades. Don’t miss looking into the future.

[Kiera Loakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and understand content.