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

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Listed:
  • Kühne Simon
  • Kroh Martin

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

  • Richter David

    (Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP), DIW Berlin, Mohrenstraße 58, 10117 Berlin, 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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    Cited by:

    1. 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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