Afghanistan to Include Caste in 2027 Census Rehearsal
Afghanistan plans to include an open column for recording caste in its upcoming Census 2027 rehearsal. The final methodology for enumerating caste will be determined based on the feedback gathered during this test exercise. This approach follows a similar methodology used in the 2011 caste survey, which encountered challenges. The 2011 survey's open column approach led to the recording of over 4.6 million distinct 'caste names'. The decision to include caste enumeration in the census signals a significant step in Afghanistan's demographic data collection efforts. Further details on the implementation and the specific objectives of collecting caste data are expected following the rehearsal.
The inclusion of caste enumeration in Afghanistan's Census 2027 rehearsal, drawing from the 2011 survey's experience, highlights a complex approach to demographic data. The previous survey's outcome of over 4.6 million unique caste names suggests significant challenges in categorization and potential for data fragmentation. This rehearsal will likely test the feasibility of a more structured or refined methodology for capturing caste information. The long-term implications of collecting such granular social data in Afghanistan's context warrant careful consideration regarding its potential impact on social cohesion and policy development in the coming decade.
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