Census of Population

Relationship structure of stepfamily, category

Relationship structure refers to whether the family contains biological or adopted children of only one married spouse or common-law partner whose birth or adoption preceded the current relationship. The family can contain such children of each married spouse or common-law partner. It also considers whether or not the family also includes biological or adopted children of both married spouses or common-law partners.

Stepfamily refers to couple families with children that contain at least one biological or adopted child of only one married spouse or common-law partner whose birth or adoption preceded the current relationship. The family can contain such children of each married spouse or common-law partner. The family can also contain biological or adopted children from the current relationship. If the current married spouse or common-law partner has adopted the child(ren) of the other married spouse or common-law partner then it is no longer a stepfamily.

The data for this variable are reported using the following classifications and/or lists:

• Relationship structure