Letting people self-identify gender in a census is another step towards erasing women completely
Since 1801, the UK has carried out a census of its population once every decade. To most people, it’s just another task to complete: a few questions to answer, some boxes to tick, job done. Almost every country on Earth holds a census – the compiling and counting has become integral to our understanding of what makes a nation and who is a citizen.
In the UK, the census provides us with an important historical record, while also serving a vital administrative and economic function in the present. Knowing how many people live where steers the allocation of resources, and being aware of their age and sex helps fine-tune this process. After all, there is little point in building a new primary school in a town with a rapidly ageing population.