AMERICAN ETHNOGENESIS AND PUBLIC-ADMINISTRATION

The categories that we have created in the United States to divide our selves according to racial and ethnic characteristics are social const ructions, not reflections of the natural world, and ar such are flexib le and evolving. Pet we tend to regard and treat them as fixed, stable , scientifically grounded entities. In this way they become the basis for policy decisions and administrative actions. This article explores the characteristics of our current ''racethnic'' categories through t he care example of the 1990 U.S. Census and raises questions about wha t features we highlight in creating these particular categories and wh at silences in public discourse are enabled by them. The essay conclud es with the implications for administrative practices of this public d iscourse on scientifically perceived ''racethnicity'' in two areas: th e provision of client services and internal workplace diversity.