The IPUMS Multigenerational Longitudinal Panel: Progress and Prospects

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Sociology
• Historical Research
• Data Science

Background:

• Longitudinal population data is crucial for understanding societal changes over time.
• Existing datasets often lack comprehensive, long-term linkages across diverse sources.
• The need for an integrated, high-quality longitudinal panel for American population studies is evident.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the IPUMS Multigenerational Longitudinal Panel (MLP) as a novel resource.
• To detail the infrastructure, linking methodologies, and future development plans for MLP.
• To showcase the potential of MLP for advancing research in social sciences and demography.

Main Methods:

• Constructing the MLP by linking American censuses, surveys, administrative records, and vital statistics from 1850 to the present.
• Utilizing advanced record linkage techniques to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Developing a robust technological infrastructure for data management and accessibility.

Main Results:

• The establishment of a comprehensive longitudinal population panel spanning over 170 years.
• Successful integration of diverse historical data sources into a unified dataset.
• Demonstration of early research applications utilizing the MLP, highlighting its utility.

Conclusions:

• The IPUMS MLP provides an unparalleled resource for multigenerational and historical population research.
• Future expansion plans, including a "linkage hub," will further enhance MLP's connectivity and research potential.
• MLP is poised to facilitate significant advancements in understanding long-term social and demographic dynamics in the United States.