- Codes
- Description
- Comparability
- Universe
- Availability
- Flags
- Questionnaire Text
- UnHarmonized Variables
00 = No spouse of this person present in household.
Description
SPLOC is a constructed variable that indicates whether the person's spouse lived in the same household and, if so, gives the person number (PERNUM) of the spouse. The method by which probable spouse-spouse links are identified is described in SPRULE.
SPLOC makes it easy for researchers to link the characteristics of (probable) spouses.
In 2016, the family interrelationship variables for all samples were revised to increase comparability across IPUMS projects and include same-sex couples. Many researchers who are familiar with the previous version of family interrelationship variables will find it useful to read a brief overview of the key differences of the New IPUMS Family Interrelationship Variables. On this page you'll find information on how family interrelationship variables are constructed, common uses of these variables, and specific examples of how these variables can be used efficiently.
The pre-2016 version of SPLOC and other IPUMS pointer variables are available here.
Comparability
Because of variation in the information available for linking spouses, there are slight differences across years.
Comparability with IPUMS-USA
SPLOC is conceptually identical in IPUMS-CPS and IPUMS-USA. Because the survey provides less detailed information on relationship to household head than the census does, the relationship pairings used to link spouses differ between these two datasets, and paired age limitations are more consistently imposed when linking spouses in IPUMS-CPS. Users should consult SPRULE for further details. The development of new family interrelationship variables was prompted by the desire to have more comparability between different IPUMS projects and over time. The family interrelationship variables use common logic across IPUMS CPS, IHIS, and USA (modern years). Each project has different allowed links because of different level of detail in each project, but the logic of assigning parents in ambiguous situations is the same.
Universe
- 1962-1967 (ASEC): Persons age 14+ (pre-1968 samples do not include persons under age 14).
- 1968+ (ASEC): All persons.
- 1989+ (non-ASEC): All persons.
Availability
| Years | Jan | Feb | ASEC | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 – 1975 | - | - | X | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1976 – 2023 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 2024 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | - | - | - |
