Description

MOMLOC is a constructed variable that indicates whether the person's mother lived in the same household and, if so, gives the person number of the mother (PERNUM). The method by which probable child-mother links are identified is described in MOMRULE for samples from 1970 to present and in MOMRULE_HIST for samples prior to 1970.

MOMLOC makes it easy for researchers to link the characteristics of children and their (probable) mothers.

In 2017, the family interrelationship variables for samples from 1970 to present 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.

Samples prior to 1970 continue to use the original version of family interrelationship variables.

• User Caution: MOMLOC identifies social relationships (such as stepmother and adoptive mother) as well as biological relationships. For 1970 and later, MOMLOC will also identify the unmarried partner of a child's father identified with POPLOC

If the person identified with MOMLOC has a spouse or partner identified through SPLOC, the spouse or partner will also be identified as a parent through POPLOC (if a different-sex couple) or MOMLOC2 (if a same-sex couple). POPRULE and MOM2RULE will communicate the method through which those relationships are identified.

The original version of MOMLOC and other IPUMS pointer variables are available for 1970 to present here.

00 = No mother of this person in the household.

Comparability

Due to variation in the information available for linking mothers and children, there are some differences across years. For example, prior to 1990, "unmarried partner" was not an option for RELATE. This means that prior to 1990, we cannot link the householder to their unmarried partner via SPLOC nor can we link the children of the householder to the unmarried partner via MOMLOC or POPLOC.

In 1850-1870, MOMLOC uses IMPREL (Imputed relationship) instead of RELATE (Relationship) to determine the person number (PERNUM) of the person's probable mother (if one was found within the same household).

The 1960 Census does not have SURSIM, so MOMLOC is not available for persons whose relationship to the head (see RELATE) is unspecified other relative or nonrelative if they are age 19 or older. In years with SURSIM (prior to 1960), all appropriate links are made for all unspecified relatives and nonrelatives regardless of age. In 1970 and later, parental links are not formed for unspecified other relative or nonrelatives if they are age 23 or older.

Comparability with other IPUMS Projects
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 IPUMS USA (1970 to present). 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

Availability

• 2023: All samples
• 2022: All samples
• 2021: All samples
• 2020: All samples
• 2019: All samples
• 2018: All samples
• 2017: All samples
• 2016: All samples
• 2015: All samples
• 2014: All samples
• 2013: All samples
• 2012: All samples
• 2011: All samples
• 2010: ACS; ACS 3yr; ACS 5yr
• 2009: All samples
• 2008: All samples
• 2007: All samples
• 2006: All samples
• 2005: All samples
• 2004: All samples
• 2003: All samples
• 2002: All samples
• 2001: All samples
• 2000: All samples
• 1990: All samples
• 1980: All samples
• 1970: All samples
• 1960: All samples
• 1950: All samples
• 1940: All samples
• 1930: All samples
• 1920: All samples
• 1910: All samples
• 1900: All samples
• 1880: All samples
• 1870: All samples
• 1860: All samples
• 1850: All samples

• 2023: All samples
• 2022: All samples
• 2021: All samples
• 2020: All samples
• 2019: All samples
• 2018: All samples
• 2017: All samples
• 2016: All samples
• 2015: All samples
• 2014: All samples
• 2013: All samples
• 2012: All samples
• 2011: All samples
• 2010: PRCS; PRCS 3yr; PRCS 5yr
• 2009: All samples
• 2008: All samples
• 2007: All samples
• 2006: All samples
• 2005: All samples
• 2000: All samples
• 1990: All samples
• 1980: All samples
• 1970: All samples
• 1930: All samples
• 1920: All samples
• 1910: All samples

Flags

Editing Procedure

There is no editing procedure available for this variable.