Survey research beyond the binary - Exploring the potentials, challenges and consequences of alternative measures for assigned sex, gender identity/expression and sexual orientation |
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| Coordinator 1 | Professor Stephanie Steinmetz (University of Lausanne) |
| Coordinator 2 | Dr Verena Ortmanns (DIE Bonn) |
| Coordinator 3 | Dr Lisa de Vries (Bielefeld University) |
| Coordinator 4 | Dr Angelo Moretti (Utrecht University) |
| Coordinator 5 | Dr Katharina Meitinger (Utrecht University) |
| Coordinator 6 | Professor Mirjam Fischer (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) |
Awareness of gender diversity beyond the heteronormative male-female binary has grown rapidly in Western society. As recognition of diverse gender identities increases, the question of how to reflect this in surveys arises. With 39 out of 47 Council of Europe member countries now having legal processes in place to recognize trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people, this is a timely and necessary conversation. Using more inclusive measures in surveys not only promotes greater accuracy but also ensures a more equitable representation and visibility of gender diversity. It allows individuals to answer questions and define themselves according to their identity.
In this context, survey providers and population registers/censuses have shown a growing interest in more accurately capturing gender diversity in their data collection efforts in recent years. This shift, however, presents challenges and potentials for survey design, particularly for questions related to sex (assigned at birth), gender (expression and identity) and sexual orientation. These changes may also affect respondents' responses to other survey questions. A key issue is balancing the need for valid and reliable survey measures with the goal of being inclusive of gender-diverse populations, such as trans and non-binary individuals. Traditional survey methods may not adequately reflect this diversity, but new approaches may also pose challenges, particularly in terms of whether they are interpreted consistently by the general population.
Against this background, the session welcomes papers that provide practitioners, survey designers, and researchers interested in assessing assigned gender, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation with new tools and measurement strategies; address the benefits and risks of including gender diversity in surveys and official registries/censuses while ensuring the validity and reliability of these measures; and/or address cross-cultural challenges, such as those related to translation. We especially welcome contributions that provide insights and perspectives