In April we submitted Freedom of Information requests to the 3 census authorities (ONS, NRS and NISRA), asking what analysis they had undertaken to estimate the impact of framing the sex q. in terms of self-declared gender identity on data reliability at the sub-population level.
The response from ONS and NRS indicated that neither had undertaken any such analysis. We have now received a response from NISRA, which likewise indicates that the impact on data reliability at the subpopulation level has not been examined. whatdotheyknow.com/request/660666…
As this blog details, there may be significant differences in how people respond to the sex q. across different groups: in a Swedish population study, 6.3% of 22-29 yr olds wanted to be wanted to be treated as the opposite sex, compared to a 2.8% average. murrayblackburnmackenzie.org/2020/06/04/a-n…
It appears however, that census planning across the UK has proceeded based on the untested assumptions that the trans population is small, and that a sex question framed in terms of self-declared gender identity will not affect data reliability across different groups.
