1. DLI Atlantic Workshop Carolyn DeLorey April 22, 2010

2. Sources of family data prior to 1984 Census Vital statistics Household surveys Snapshots of time

3. 1984 Family History Survey First time historical information on family life-cycle events of Canadians has been collected Retrospective in nature Supplement to the Labour Force Survey Population excluded: Yukon and NWT residents Armed forces personnel Residents of First Nations reserves Inmates of institutions Persons aged 18 to 65 years www.rhemafmlive.com.au/im/life-cycle-image.jpg

4. 1984 Family History Survey Questionnaire: Limitations: Children Marriages and common-law Work interruptions Sample of persons Cannot make estimates of events

5. General Social Survey: Background Annual cross-sectional household survey Conducted since 1985 Main objectives: To monitor changes in the living conditions and well- being of Canadians over time To provide information on current or emerging issues in Canadian society

6. GSS: Population Three components of data: Persons 15 years of age and older Across the 10 provinces Excluded: Residents of the Northern Territories Fulltime residents of institutions Classification Describes population groups Core Information that monitors social trends Focus Information on specific policy issues or social problems

7. GSS: single survey cycle each year Topic 1 st series2 nd series3 rd series4 th series5 th series6 th series Year (cycle) Health 1985 (1)1991 (6)………… Time use 1986 (2)1992 (7)1998 (12)2005 (19)2010 (24)… Victimization 1988 (3)1993 (8)1999 (13)2004 (18)2009 (23)… Education, work, and retirement 1989 (4)1994 (9)2002 (16)2007 (21)…… Family 1990 (5)1995 (10)2001 (15)2006 (20)2007 (21)2011 (25) Social support and aging 1985 (1)1990 (5)1996 (11)2002 (16)2007 (21)… Access to and use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) 2000 (14)…………… Social engagement 2003 (17)2008 (22)…………

8. Family and Friends: Cycle 5 (1990) Core Content Respondent’s family and friends Relationships and interactions Drew on 1984 Family History Survey and GSS Cycle 1 for some questions Comparisons are possible

9. GSS Cycle 5 collected information on:

10. Family and Friends: Cycle 10 (1995) Core Content Focus Themes Canadian families Family and marital history Joint custody arrangements Child leaving Family origins Fertility intentions Values and attitudes toward certain areas of family life Work interruptions Effects of environmental tobacco smoke Wartime service targeted persons aged 55 and over

11. Family History: Cycle 15 (2001) Family and marital history Children Family origins Fertility intentions Values and attitudes Custody and financial arrangements (modified) Education history

12. Family Transitions: Cycle 20 (2006) Focus New Content Young families Early life course transitions Leaving the parental home Union formation/dissolution Family formation related to the birth or adoption of a child Work/life balance Child care Buying a first home Resources used during significant family transitions

13. Tables available from CANSIM

14. Analytical Papers http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-625-x/89-625-x2007002-eng.pdf http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-625-x/89-625-x2007001-eng.pdf

15. Townsend-Batten, B. (2002). Staying in touch: Contact between adults and their parents. Canadian Social Trends, 64, 9-12.

16. Beaupré, P., Turcotte, P. & Milan, A. (2006). Junior comes back home: Trends and predictors of returning to the parental home. Canadian Social Trends, 82, 28-33.

17. Chalmers, L., & Milan, A. (2005). Marital Satisfaction during the retirement years. Canadian Social Trends, 76, 14-17.

18. Where to find out more: The General Social Survey: An Overview http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc- cel?catno=89F0115X&CHROPG=1&lang=eng