Literal question
P9. What is [respondent]'s marital status?
(Please cross out one of the selections)
(For persons below 10 years old, cross out single)
[] Single
[] Legally Married
[] Widowed
[] Divorced/Separated
[] Common Law/Live-in
[] Unknown
Interviewer instructions
P9 Marital status
Marital status refers to the personal status of each individual in reference to the marriage laws or customs of the country. It is the same as "civil status", the term usually used in official and private records, documents, transactions, etc., in the country. In Census 2000, the person's marital status shall be as of the date of visit.
For persons below 10 years old, draw an "x" mark on the circle before Single without asking the question. For persons 10 years old and over ask:
"What is ______'s marital status?" Cross out the circle before the appropriate marital status reported by the respondent as defined in the next page.
1. Single
A person who has never been married.
2. Legally Married
A person married in a religious or civil ceremony, either living together with spouse at the time of visit, or temporarily living apart because his spouse is employed elsewhere or is in the Armed Forces, etc.
3. Widowed
A married person whose spouse died and who has not remarried up to the time of visit.
4. Divorced/Separated
A person who is permanently separated from his spouse, legally or through mutual consent. Also for a person whose marriage with another has been annulled or dissolved and can therefore 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 marital status is not known to the respondent, or whose marital status is being concealed by the respondent.
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 marital status of any person. Disregard any knowledge you may have about the person and record only whatever is reported by the respondent.
