British Social Attitudes 28

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. Elizabeth Clery is SeniorResearcher at NatCen and Co-Director of the British Social Attitudes surveyseriesJohn Curtice is a Research Consultant at the Scottish Centre for Social Research, Deputy Director of CREST, and Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University.

For nearly 30 years, the annual British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey has documented changes and continuities in British society. Throughout a range of areas, from welfare and inequality to sexuality and race, the BSA has been an invaluable tool for social scientists in understanding how and why public opinion shifts. It is unlikely, however, that a BSA survey has ever been conducted at a more important – and troubled – time...As usual, the BSA series provides a range of fascinating insights into the changing values of British society. Further, this year’s report has been redesigned compared to others and now includes more snappy and visual summaries of the key findingsLSE Review of Books

• Bridging the Gulf? Britain′s Democracy after the 2010 Election - John CurticeOn the Road to Divergence? Trends in Public Opinion in Scotland and England - John Curtice and Rachel OrmstonPrivate Schools and Public Divisions: The Influence of Fee-Paying Education on Social Attitudes - Geoffrey Evans and James TilleyParental Freedom to Choose and Educational Equality - Sonia ExleyA Limit to Expansion? Attitudes to University Funding, Fees and Opportunities - Anna Zimdars, Alice Sullivan and Anthony HeathConcern about Climate Change: A Paler Shade of Green? - Eleanor TaylorCongested Britain? Public Attitudes to Car Use - Eleanor TaylorHomes, Planning and Changing Policies - Glen BramleyTaking the Pulse: Attitudes to the Health Service - Elizabeth CleryGrowing up in Britain - Elizabeth CleryFewer Children in Poverty: Is It a Public Priority? - Elizabeth CleryLosing Faith? - Lucy Lee