POSSLQ Meaning and
Definition
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POSSLQ is an acronym that stands for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters." This term was primarily popularized in the United States during the 1970s as a way to classify and describe an unmarried couple who live together. It was created by the United States Census Bureau as a response to the increasing number of unmarried couples cohabiting in the country.
The term POSSLQ refers specifically to couples who share a domestic arrangement without being legally married or in a civil partnership. It is meant to describe a committed relationship where a couple shares a residence, financial responsibilities, and various aspects of their daily lives but have chosen not to formalize their commitment through marriage.
POSSLQ is considered useful by statisticians and researchers who aim to study family trends and dynamics, as it helps to capture an important demographic who may not fit into traditional categories of marriage or cohabitation. By using this categorization, researchers can better analyze and understand the socio-economic characteristics, social attitudes, and overall dynamics of unmarried couples who choose to live together.
The term POSSLQ has become less commonly used in recent years, as societal attitudes towards cohabitation and non-traditional relationships have evolved. However, its historical significance in helping to acknowledge and include this group in statistical analysis of households remains relevant in the fields of demography and sociology.
Common Misspellings for POSSLQ
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