Using historical Census data to highlight changing patterns in health, disability, housing, employment and identity

Working with under-represented groups in Brighton and Hastings, this project co-designed a programme of creative learning sessions for a range of school, healthcare and community settings.

The sessions explored the changing complexion of the Census returns between 1901 and 1911, taking into account the updated questions for 2011, and the extent to which this data highlights key social, cultural, economic and political shifts. The data was used to frame a critical consideration of the newly elaborated questions for the 2021 Census by way of examining health, disability, housing, work, migration, gender, sexuality, as well as specific issues relating to inclusion and miscounting in Census returns.

Key findings included different trends, attitudes, practices and language for each census return, particularly as the data related to gender and disability.