Bevölkerungsgruppe

Bevölkerungsgruppe is a statistical and sociological term used to describe a segment of the population defined by shared characteristics. It is a social construct used for analysis and does not imply a fixed biological category. The concept serves to organize data for policy making, public services, research, and market analysis.

In practice, a Bevölkerungsgruppe can be defined by a range of criteria, including age (for example children, adolescents, working-age adults, seniors), sex, nationality, migration background, education level, income, employment status, health or disability, religion, or geographic location (urban vs rural, region). In many German-speaking statistics, specific groups such as “Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund” (people with a migration background) or “Personen mit Behinderungen” (persons with disabilities) are treated as Bevölkerungsgruppen to monitor inequalities and tailor interventions.

Data to identify Bevölkerungsgruppen come from censuses, surveys, and administrative registers. Classification schemes follow national standards and international guidelines from bodies like Eurostat or the OECD. However, definitions and boundaries of groups can vary by country, survey design, and legal context, which affects comparability.

Ethical considerations are central in using Bevölkerungsgruppen. Privacy protection, data security, and the risk of stigmatization or discrimination must be addressed, particularly with sensitive categories. The concept remains a practical tool for understanding demographic structure, social dynamics, and policy needs.