Racial and Ethnic Groups: Census Update

Richard T. Schaefer grew up in Chicago in the 1960's, at a time when neighborhoods were going through transitions in ethnic and racial composition.  He found himself fascinated by what was happening, how people were reacting, and how these changes were affecting neighborhoods and people's jobs.  His interest in social issues caused him to gravitate to more sociology courses at Northwestern University, where he eventually received a B.A. in sociology and later earning his M.A. and Ph.D in sociology from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Schaefer went on to become a professor of sociology. He has taught sociology and courses on multiculturalism for 30 years. He has been invited to give special presentations to students and faculty on racial and ethnic diversity in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.

Dr. Schaefer is the author of Race and Ethncity in the United States. Dr. Schaefer is the General Editor of the fourthcoming three-volume Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity and Society . He served as president of the Midwest Sociological Society from 1994-1995. In recognition of his achievments in undergraduate teaching, he was named Vincent de Paul Professor of Sociology in 2004.