The data for this variable are reported using the following classification(s) and/or list(s):
'Sex of reference person' refers to the sex of the family reference person. The family reference person is determined through procedures specific to each survey. Options include the older spouse or partner, the first spouse or partner listed, the major income earner or the parent in a lone-parent family.
'Economic family' refers to a group of two or more persons who live in the same dwelling and are related to each other by blood, marriage, common-law or adoption. A couple may be of opposite or same sex. Foster children are included.
By definition, all persons who are members of a census family are also members of an economic family. Examples of the broader concept of economic family include the following: two co-resident census families who are related to one another are considered one economic family; co-resident siblings who are not members of a census family are considered as one economic family; and, nieces or nephews living with aunts or uncles are considered one economic family.