Chile Census 2024: Controversy Surrounding the Full Name Question Explained

2024-03-23 02:46:38

In Chile, a census is periodically carried out in order to collect statistical data about its population. The first census took place in 1835, when the population barely reached one million people. Since then, it has been carried out approximately every ten years, with continuous improvements to adapt to the country’s historical changes.

In the 2024 Census, the question asked in reference to the names of respondents is: “Tell me the full name of all the people who make up this household and who usually reside in this home, whether or not they are present at the time of filling out the questionnaire.”

Review the 2024 Census questionnaire here.

The full name question on the 2024 Census has generated some controversy in the last month. However, it is considered relevant to guarantee the quality of the data collected in the survey.

Ricardo Vicuña, director of the INE, explained in an interview with Radio Bío Bío what Requesting the full name is essential to facilitate the data collection processsince it allows organizing the application of the questionnaire by census takers.

This is done “to make the interview much easier, to know who one is referring to, because one asks a lot of data (specific to each respondent),” said Vicuña.

Besides, The director of the organization explained that requesting the full name is a measure to avoid duplication. For example, changes could arise in people’s residential addresses during the months that the operation lasts, which could result in a family group visiting twice to be registered, both in their previous home and in their new one.

“Knowing the full names allows us identify people who have been repeated by mistake and, therefore, we have a better number at the end of the day,” said Vicuña.

However, Given that the RUT is not requested nor is it required to show the identity card to verify the veracity of the name provided, the INE indicates that there is no way to guarantee the authenticity of this data. Therefore, people are encouraged to answer the survey honestly. “We operate under the principle of good faith,” said the director of the INE, who called on respondents to provide their names and surnames truthfully.

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