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Comparing Self-Reported and Partnership-Inferred Sexual Orientation in Household Surveys

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  • Kühne Simon

    (Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615Bielefeld, Germany.)

  • Kroh Martin

    (Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615Bielefeld, Germany.)

  • Richter David

    (Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP), DIW Berlin, Mohrenstraße 58, 10117Berlin, Germany.)

Abstract

Research comparing heterosexuals with bisexuals and homosexuals in economics and the social sciences typically relies on two strategies to identify sexual orientation in existing survey data of general populations. Probing respondents to self-report their sexual orientation is generally considered the preferred option. Since self-reports are unavailable in most large multidisciplinary surveys, often researchers infer sexual orientation from the gender-constellation of a respondent’s partnership instead. Based on German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) data, this article reviews both strategies empirically in the context of a household panel survey. The analysis shows that self-reported and partnership-inferred sexual orientation are not mutual substitutes, instead leading to substantively different conclusions about differences between heterosexuals and LGBs (Lesbian, Gays, and Bisexuals). The article discusses problems of non-coverage in partnership-inferred sexual orientation and also investigates measurement error in self-reported sexual orientation, finding notable mode and interviewer effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Kühne Simon & Kroh Martin & Richter David, 2019. "Comparing Self-Reported and Partnership-Inferred Sexual Orientation in Household Surveys," Journal of Official Statistics, Sciendo, vol. 35(4), pages 777-805, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:offsta:v:35:y:2019:i:4:p:777-805:n:5
    DOI: 10.2478/jos-2019-0033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Noah Uhrig, S.C., 2014. "An examination of poverty and sexual orientation in the UK," ISER Working Paper Series 2014-02, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
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    10. Martin Kroh & Simon Kühne & Christian Kipp & David Richter, 2017. "Income, Social Support Networks, Life Satisfaction: Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals in Germany," DIW Economic Bulletin, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research, vol. 7(33/34/35), pages 335-345.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lisa de Vries & Stephanie Steinmetz, 2024. "Sexual Orientation, Workplace Authority and Occupational Segregation: Evidence from Germany," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(3), pages 852-870, June.
    2. Hanna Vseviov & Allan Puur & Mark Gortfelder, 2023. "Fertility Intentions and Sexual Orientation: Evidence from the 2020 Youth Survey in Estonia," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 42(2), pages 1-26, April.

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