The Measurement of Sex, Gender, and Sexuality: Exploring their Measurement in Major Surveys across Time

• In Event: Methodological and Analytic Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice Research

Abstract

A staple in most of the major criminal justice and criminology related surveys has always been a measure of sex or gender and sometimes sexuality. However, these measures often do not fully capture the complexity of sex, gender identity, and sexuality. While many surveys have evolved toward inclusivity, to date, there is very little systematic research on how these concepts have been measured historically and how they are measured presently in major surveys in criminal justice and criminology. The current study seeks to examine how these concepts have been measured historically and any changes that have occurred in their measurement across survey waves in several national criminal justice and criminology related surveys. The results of this study aim to provide an important understanding of how measurement can be more inclusive and informative for future research on the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality.

Authors

• Jamie Snyder, University of Wyoming

• Jennifer Tabler, University of Wyoming

• Carlos Gonzales, University of Wyoming

• Anastasia Marchese, University of Wyoming