generally, any quantity which varies. More precisely, a variable in the mathematical sense, i.e.a quantity which may take any one of a specified set of values.It is convenient to apply the same word to denote non-measurable characteristics, e.g.'sex' is a variable in this sense since any human individual may take one of two 'values', male or female.
The variables used to determine labour status and underemployment must be obtained by interviewing the person concerned, or, if this is not possible, another member of the household. Other information may be obtained from alternative sources, including administrative records, provided that the data obtained are of equivalent quality.
