Interviewer instructions
This question should only be asked for people who are not working for pay.
The interviewer should ask the question open-endedly, then select the category that they think best applies, and confirm it with the respondent. If the respondent provides more than one answer, ask them to specify which is the most important reason. The following definitions are provided to guide the selection of answers:
• Homemaker/Caring for Family: This applies to individuals whose primary activities are household tasks -- such as cleaning, preparing food, and caring for children or other relatives -- and who do not receive pay for these activities.
• Looked but can't find a job: This applies to individuals who want to work for pay, are actively looking for work, and are not currently employed.
• Unpaid Work/voluntary activities: This applies to individuals whose primary activity is working for a volunteer organization, a family business, a family farm or other similar activity without pay.
• Studies / training: This applies to individuals whose primary activity is to pursue educational programs, whether in a secondary school, college, university, or other institutions that teaches continuing adult education classes, or vocational training courses.
• Retired / too old to work: An individual who is no longer working due to age.
• Student: An individual whose primary activity is engaging in studies at elementary, secondary, university or technical schools.
• Unemployed: An individual who could work but does not currently have a job or business.
• Ill health:
• Other:
