British Social Attitudes

We were very sorry to hear that Sir Roger Jowell passed away over Christmas. Roger was the Founder and Director of the National Centre for Social Research, Britain’s largest social research institute until 2001, and in 2008 was knighted for his services to the social sciences.We were very privileged to have worked with Roger as an author and friend for many years, most notably on one of his legacy works, the British Social Attitudes report series. In 1983 when it first launched, it was already a significant undertaking, surveying 1700 people in its first year. In an era where surveys were ad hoc and sporadic, work like this made it clear how important tracking opinion and trends over time would be. Writing in that first edition, Roger wrote: “The term ‘public opinion’ is in itself misleading. Our data demonstrate that on nearly all social issues there are actually several publics and many opinions.” Published by SAGE since 2000 it is now in its 28th volume and continues to be just as challenging, and as important.Roger was also co-founder and Director of the European Social Survey (ESS), a 34-nation comparative study of changing social values throughout Europe. We published the initial book of methods and findings: Measuring Attitudes Cross-Nationally: Lessons from the European Social Survey in 2007.A key figure for the social sciences he was also, simply, an extremely nice man and a pleasure to work with. He will be greatly missed. John Curtice is a Research Consultant at the Scottish Centre for Social Research, Deputy Director of CREST, and Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University.Alison joined NatCen in 1991, after completing an M.Phil. in Sociology at Nuffield College, Oxford. Her core areas of research are social, political and moral attitudes and values. As Head of Society and Social Change, Alison manages the team responsible for the British Social Attitudes Survey series. These annual surveys focus on people′s attitudes towards a wide range of issues, and the results form the basis of an annual book, published by Sage. Alison is closely involved with the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), a cross-national study of social attitudes, and is the ESRC-funded UK Co-ordinator for the 2002 to 2012 rounds of the European Social Survey. She makes regular radio and television contributions concerning social trends, and was a member of the 2003 Fabian Society Commission on the Future of the Monarchy. Katarina Thomson is a freelance editor and a former Research Director at NatCen Catherine is involved in a number of ScotCen′s studies with a particular focus on surveys. She has been director of the 2008-11 Scottish Health Survey and is involved in all stages of the project from questionnaire design through to reporting. The wide range of topics and policy areas covered in this one study make it a fascinating project to work on: from child obesity to adult dental health and alcohol consumption. As Deputy Director of ScotCen Catherine is also very involved in the day to day management of the organization, but maintains a strong involvement with projects, meaning that her research skills are put to good use regularly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Research interestsAttitude formationElectionsGovernance and democracy

`We have long been fans of the British Social Attitudes survey, once declaring it to be "the most trustworthy and comprehensive guide" to British life available between hard covers′ - The Guardian`The Rolls Royce of opinion surveys′ - The Times`I′ve always enjoyed reading the British Social Attitudes survey, which shows what the British people really think, as opposed to what journalists and politicians like to pretend they think′ - John Pilger`A model for social reporting′ - James Davis, University of Chicago`BSA′s topical and well informed reports...have become an indispensable tool not just for governments, but also for modern citizens to understand their fellows, and themselves, better′ - The Times Higher

• The Generation Game - Alison ParkHealth Care Rationing - Caroline Bryson and Bill NewA Cut too Far?The Working Class and New Labour - Geoffrey EvansA Parting of the Ways?Sex and the Media - Annette Hill and Katarina ThomsonA Shifting LandscapeThe Gender Gap - Kerstin Hinds and Lindsey JarvisLosing Faith - Nan Dirk De Graaf and Ariana NeedIs Britain Alone?Images of Council Housing - Peter A KempIs the English Lion about to Roar? - John Curtice and Anthony HeathNational Identity After DevolutionTown and Country Life - Nina Statford and Ian ChristieBegging as a Challenge to the Welfare State - Michael Adler, Catherine Bromley and Michael Rosie