Mixed (United Kingdom ethnicity category)

In the United Kingdom, "Mixed" is one of the five broad ethnic group categories used in official statistics, including the Census. It encompasses individuals who identify as having heritage from more than one ethnic group. This category provides a means for individuals to self-identify if they feel their background is best represented by a combination of ethnicities.

The "Mixed" category is further subdivided to offer more specific options for respondents. These subcategories typically include:

• White and Black Caribbean: Individuals with a White ethnic background and a Black Caribbean ethnic background.
• White and Black African: Individuals with a White ethnic background and a Black African ethnic background.
• White and Asian: Individuals with a White ethnic background and an Asian ethnic background.
• Any other Mixed/Multiple ethnic background: This allows individuals to specify a mixed background that does not fall into the predefined subcategories.

The use of the "Mixed" category and its subcategories in data collection allows for a more detailed understanding of the ethnic composition of the UK population. This information is used for a variety of purposes, including resource allocation, policy development, and monitoring equality.

It is important to note that ethnic identification is a complex and personal matter. The categories used in official statistics are intended to provide a framework for data collection and analysis, but they may not fully capture the nuances of individual identity. The self-identification of ethnicity is respected and forms the basis of the data collected.