A thorough overview of the populations and social forces that have shaped the character of racial and ethnic diversity in the United States.Racial and Ethnic Diversity in America: A Reference Handbook documents how diversity as part of the social fabric of American society has changed its character over time. Adalberto Aguirre, an expert on race and ethnic relations, provides a descriptive presentation of racial and ethnic populations in America, with special focus on the latter part of the 20th century.Aguirre traces population shifts through time, explores the changing character of diversity in the United States, and addresses the impact of these changes on social institutions in 21st-century America. Social and demographic data identify the size of racial and ethnic populations, document educational, economic, and occupational characteristics, and illustrate the relative status of each racial and ethnic group. This up to date reference work also features biographical profiles and detailed listings of organizations and resources.A chronology of major social events and legislative decisions associated with racial and ethnic populations in America, from the emergence of the colonies to the 21st centuryBiographical sketches of racial and ethnic minority individuals who have made notable contributions to American society