Measurement opportunities for studying sexual and gender diverse partnerships in population-based surveys

Bibliographic Data

ID2287384
AuthorsC A Julian (0000-0001-8853-6683, Department of Sociology, Center for Family and Demographic Research Bowling Green State University Bowling Green Ohio USA, corresponding author), W D Manning (0000-0002-8063-7380, Department of Sociology, Center for Family and Demographic Research Bowling Green State University Bowling Green Ohio USA), Claire M Kamp Dush (Department of Sociology, Minnesota Population Center University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA), C Kamp Dush (0000-0003-4307-6825, University of Minnesota)
Year2024
Volume86
Issue5
Pages1410-1431
Publication date2024-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Marriage and the Family (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-2445 • E-ISSN: 1741-3737
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jomf.12957
PMID39493466
OpenAlexW4390587704
LanguageEN
Citations received18
References cited37

ObjectiveThis article outlines for family scholars and researchers designing surveys or searching for data on sexual and gender-diverse (SGD) families the latest methodological advancements in United States population-based surveys for studying SGD partnerships by reviewing five recently collected, publicly available, population-representative data sets.BackgroundLGBTQIA+ adults and SGD partnerships are an expanding demographic group in the United States. Yet, measurement limitations have restricted studies of these partnerships that use population-based studies. To address this issue, researchers designing population-representative data collections have adopted new strategies to measure SGD partnerships accurately. However, most population representative surveys continue to lack data on growing segments of the LGBTQIA+ population by relying solely on the sex of partners or limited sexual and gender identity measures.ConclusionWe recommend expanding population-based surveys to incorporate inclusive measures of sexual and gender identity, directly asking about the gender composition of a couple and measurement of cohabiting and other nonmarital relationships. These approaches are especially important for understanding relationships among younger populations who do not follow heteronormative relationship trajectories and hold diverse gender and sexual identities.ImplicationsAlthough the research opportunities on SGD individuals and partnerships are expanding; researchers must remain mindful of the limitations of current data sets and advocate for updates to the United States population data infrastructure

Developmental psychology · Geography · Population · Sexual behavior · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Demography · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology