H. Section 7: Marriage and Sexual Activity
Q. 701: CURRENTLY MARRIED OR LIVING WITH A MAN
Q. 701 asks if the respondent is currently married, living with a man in an informal union, or not in
union. Remember that there are two different categories of YES responses: (1) "YES" woman is married
and (2) "YES" lives with a man. Be sure, therefore, that you distinguish between these two categories.
If the woman just responds YES, then ask her, if she is currently married or currently just living with a
man. An informal union is one in which the man and woman live together for some time, intending to
have a lasting relationship, but do not have a formal civil or religious ceremony. Casual sexual
encounters are not included here.
Example: If a woman went to live with her boyfriend and his family and has stayed for several
years, they would be considered as "living together," whether or not they have any children.
On the other hand, if a woman has a boyfriend but has never lived with him, she would not be
considered in a union.
Q. 702: EVER BEEN MARRIED OR LIVED WITH A MAN
For women who are not currently married or living with a man (Response to Q. 701 is NO, NOT IN
UNION), ask whether they have ever been married or lived with a man. Probe if necessary to make the
correct distinction between YES, FORMERLY MARRIED and YES, LIVED WITH A MAN.
Q. 703: CURRENT MARITAL STATUS
This question is asked of a woman who was formerly in a union but is not married or living with a man
at the time of the interview. Since she was in a union at one time, but is not on the day you are
interviewing her, she will be widowed, divorced, or separated.