45.1 Perceived Relations among People of Different Cultures & Racial Backgrounds
Goal 7 - DCC 45 - Indicator 45.1
This indicator is part of Positive cultural relations.
Indicator description:
For many years, the City polled its residents about their perceptions of relations between people of different cultures and racial backgrounds in Albuquerque, asking if they are excellent, good, fair or poor. This indicator compares the percentages of responses to this question in 1993 and 2003, 2005, and 2007. The surveys were conducted by Research and Polling, Inc., under contract to the City of Albuquerque. The sample sizes of these surveys in 2005 and 2007 were large enough to ensure significance among cross tabulations of racial and cultural groups. No comparative data from other cities could be found relating to this indicator.
Why is this indicator relevant?
Albuquerque prides itself in its unique ethnic and cultural make up. The City’s vision statement recognizes its “distinctive cultures” as a highly valued strategic condition. Albuquerque is a majority minority community and this diversity impacts the quality of life in our community, influencing its arts, family traditions, economy, unique communities, and physical conditions among many other conditions. Caucasian-non Hispanic residents compose 49% of the community’s population. About 40% of Albuquerque residents are Hispanic. African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian American have approximately equal population proportions, totalling over 10% of the entire population. In order for Albuquerque to progress, it is vital that positive and respectful relations exist among its diverse populations.
Data Source:
City of Albuquerque Citizen Perception of Community Conditions, Research and Polling, Inc., 1993, 2003, 2005, 2007.
What can we tell from the data?
- Residents reflect significantly improved relations among our different cultures and races. Responses indicating that relations are excellent or good increased by 14% between 1993 and 2007.
- This is also manifested in the responses of African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans.
- While African Americans had the lowest percentage of responses indicating relations were excellent/good, this group showed the greatest increase in positive responses (17%) from 2005 to 2007.
- Asian Americans had the highest level of positive responses among all groups, including the whole community in both 2005 and 2007.
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