Questions on work-related discrimination were fielded in 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1989, 1995, and 2001. In general, respondents indicated whether they had experienced a particular type of discrimination (age, race, religion, nationality, or sex). If a respondent experienced any type of discrimination, a follow-up question elicited information on the type(s) of discriminatory practice experienced (e.g., the respondent believed that she was not hired, interviewed, or promoted; was demoted or laid off; or was paid less for the same work).
As Table 4.7.1 indicates, information on the various types of work-related discrimination and discriminatory practices has been collected across survey years. The reference period for 1972-89 was the five-year period preceding each interview. In 1995 and 2001, the reference period was since the date of last interview.
| Type of Discrimination | 1972 | 1977 | 1982 | 1987 | 1989 | 1995 | 2001 |
| Age | * | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Sex | * | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Race | * | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Religion | * | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Nationality | * | * | * | * | * | * | * |
| Marital Status | * | * | * | * | * | * | |
| Health/Handicap/Disability | * | * | * | * | * | * | |
| Weight | * | ||||||
| Sexual Orientation | * | ||||||
| AIDS | * |
Survey Instruments: Discrimination questions can be found in the "Retrospective Work History," "Work Attitudes," and "Attitudes" sections of the questionnaires.
| User Notes: From 1982-89, the format of the discrimination questions shifted from a single "most important" response to that of a "mark all that apply." These multiple responses were originally coded in a geometric progression; users should refer to section 3.3, "Mature Women Codebook System," and Appendix C in this guide for more information. In 1995, the question format shifted again; respondents were asked to give a yes or no response for each type of discrimination. Therefore, answers are no longer coded in a geometric progression. (Staff are working on provided unpacked versions for the early years; see Appendix C for more information.) |
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