A multilevel factor model for mixed binary and ordinal indicators of women's status

The authors present a factor model for the analysis of categorical responses with a two-level hierarchical structure. The model allows for multiple, potentially correlated factors at each level as well as covariate effects on the responses. Estimation using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods is described. The methodology is applied in an analysis of women's status in Bangladesh. Two dimensions of women's status are considered—social independence and decision-making power—and the factor structure of the responses at the woman and district levels is explored.