General Social Surveys 1972 1986

This book is the first comprehensive summary of the General Social Survey since its origin in 1972. Topics range over the whole subject matter of the GSS, from political behavior and attitudes to the mores, psychological states, and socio-economic characteristics of the American public. This volume provides a quick reference guide to the major questions asked in the GSS. Summaries for all respondents appear along with breakdowns by gender and standard age categories (age 18 - 85). The list of tables and the index offer readers convenient access to specific questions while the topical arrangement of the tables provides a coherent presentation of related subjects. For those unfamiliar with the GSS this will serve as an exciting and comprehensive introduction. Students in sociology, psychology, political science, economics, American studies, family studies, aging, social work, and health fields will find it an exceptional source of information. For researchers, the book provides a simplified reference to the GSS and data for statistical treatment in analytical studies.

The answers to questions on a wide variety of social and political issues from more than 25,000 respondents are contained in the General Social Survey (GSS) data base. The authors, who have directed the GSS since its inception, have set out to enable social scientists to exploit this large data set more effectively. The book outlines such topics as the recurrent, replicated `core' items suitable for trend analyses, the annual topical modules on subjects of current interest and the international modules produced in collaboration with the International Social Survey Programme.