Questionnaire Text

Questionnaire form view entire document:  text  image

All Persons
[Applies to questions P1-P10]


P7. What is [respondent]'s civil status?
Enter code. (See codes sheet)

[] 1. Single
[] 2. Legally Married
[] 3. Widowed
[] 4. Separated/Divorced
[] 5. Common-Law/Live-in
[] 6. Unknown

Questionnaire instructions view entire document:  text  image

Civil Status (P7)

Civil status refers to the personal status of each individual in reference to the marriage laws or customs of the country. In the POPCEN, the person's civil status shall be as of the date of visit.

For persons below 10 years old, enter "1" (Single) without asking the question. For persons 10 years old and over ask: "What is ____________'s civil status?" Record the appropriate numerical code for the person's civil status reported by the respondent as defined below. These codes are also reproduced in the Codes Sheet.

1 Single a person who has never been married

2 Legally married a person married in a civil or religious
ceremony, either living together with spouse at the time of the POPCEN visit or temporarily living apart because the spouse is employed elsewhere or is in the armed forces, etc.


3 Widowed a married person whose spouse has died and
who has not remarried up to the time of the POPCEN visit


4 Separated/divorced a person who is permanently
separated from his/her spouse, legally or by mutual consent, or whose marriage has been annulled or dissolved and can remarry


5 Common-law/Live-in person cohabiting or living consensually
with another as husband and wife without the benefit of a legal marriage


6 Unknown person whose civil status is unknown
to the respondent


[p. 92]

A Word of Caution: Some respondents may find this question too personal or a sensitive issue. Avoid antagonizing the respondent. Do not refute the reported civil status of any person. Disregard any knowledge you may have about the person and record only whatever is reported by the respondent.