Best Practices in Measuring Gender Identity in Population-Based Surveys

• Activity Number: 148
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Monday, August 4, 2014 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Government Statistics Section
• Author(s): Gary Gates*+
• Companies: University of California, Los Angeles
• Keywords: gender identity ; transgender

Abstract

This paper summarizes research and recommendations regarding best practices in the measurement and analyses of gender identity data on population-based surveys. The paper is the culmination of a multi-year process that brought together gender identity scholars, population scientists, and transgender advocates to consider approaches to improving data collection regarding gender identity. The process included an assessment of current gender identity measurement and data collection activities, the commissioning of new research designed to test gender identity measures, and the development of best practice recommendations for data collection and analyses. The presentation will summarize those recommendations.