Measuring assigned sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation in population surveys

Authors

Christina Bornatici, Max Felder, Lavinia Gianettoni, Roxane Mordasini, Stephanie Steinmetz

PDF
Publication

FORS Guide Nº 26

DOI
https://doi.org/10.24449/FG-2025-00026
How to cite

Bornatici C., Felder M., Gianettoni L., Mordasini R., & Steinmetz S. (2025). Measuring assigned sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation in population surveys. FORS Guides, 26, Version 1.0, 1-44. https://doi.org/10.24449/FG-2025-00026


Keywords

data collection, demographic gender metrics, gender diversity, gender inclusivity, population studies

Abstract

This guide supports survey practitioners and researchers in measuring more comprehensively and accurately gender differences in general population surveys. It addresses methodological considerations, reviews current measurement practices for key concepts, and recommends one question per concept for effective use in surveys.

Recommendations

  • Recommendation 1 – Adopt a two-step approach measuring assigned sex and gender identity separately. Surveys must continue measuring assigned sex, as this is important for long-term statistics and equality monitoring. Surveys must also start measuring gender identity together with assigned sex to enable more accurate analyses of social issues, inequalities, and their evolving dynamics.
  • Recommendation 2 – Compute gender identity variables using the two-step approach to capture more inclusive categories of women and men (e.g., including trans women and men), while also enabling comparisons between cisgender and non-cisgender individuals.
  • Recommendation 3 – Include at least one measure of sexual orientation — sexual identity — alongside assigned sex and gender identity, as their combined assessment enables a comprehensive analysis of gender and sexual minorities in relation to majority groups, offering a deeper understanding of differences and outcomes.
  • Recommendation 4 – Include a dedicated question for measuring intersex status whenever feasible and/or relevant to the research topic (particularly in health-related studies).
  • Recommendation 5 – Avoid using the label “Other” when collecting data on gender identity or sexual orientation, as it implies deviation from a norm and can be unclear. To promote clarity and inclusivity, use a label that references the construct being measured and include a write-in option where possible.

    • Copyright

    © the author 2025. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)

    Publication year

    2025

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