Social Mobility Inquiry, 1972

UKDA study number:1097

Principal Investigators

University of Oxford. Oxford Social Mobility Group
Halsey, A.H.
University of Oxford. Department of Social and Administrative Studies
Goldthorpe, J.H.
Payne, C.
University of Oxford. Nuffield College
Heath, A.
University of Oxford. Jesus College

Data Collector

Mary Agar Fieldwork Services

Sponsor

Economic and Social Research Council

Distributed by

UK Data Archive, University of Essex, Colchester.

Bibliographic Citation

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University of Oxford. Oxford Social Mobility Group et al. , Social Mobility Inquiry, 1972 [computer file]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Archive [distributor], 1978. SN: 1097, http://dx.doi.org/10.5255/UKDA-SN-1097-1

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1097 . Social Mobility Inquiry, 1972

Depositors:

Halsey, A.H. , University of Oxford. Department of Social and Administrative Studies

Goldthorpe, J.H. , University of Oxford. Nuffield College

Principal Investigators:

University of Oxford. Oxford Social Mobility Group

Halsey, A.H. , University of Oxford. Department of Social and Administrative Studies

Goldthorpe, J.H. , University of Oxford. Nuffield College

Payne, C. , University of Oxford. Nuffield College

Heath, A. , University of Oxford. Jesus College

Data Collector:

Mary Agar Fieldwork Services

Sponsor:

Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract:

The purpose of this survey was to enquire into patterns of social mobility in England and Wales.

Main Topics:

Variables
Detailed information was collected on (i) the occupations held by respondents at various stages in their working lives and their associated employment status and industry; (ii) their education and all forms of occupationally relevant training; (iii) their formal qualifications; and (iv) to a more limited extent, the occupations, training, and qualifications of various of their kin. Questions were also included on respondents' areas of residence, current income, friendship patterns, political affiliations, etc.
In order to construct a data set which would permit the investigation of trends in social mobility between 1972 and 1983, an extensive recoding excercise was undertaken. This involved the recoding of data for approximately one in six (N=1522) of respondents to the 1972 survey for whom information on both their present and their fathers' occupation was available. This information, which was originally coded to the 1970 OPCS system of occupational classification was recoded to the 1980 OPCS system. These data have now been merged with the main survey (although they can be supplied as a separate file).
Occupational data from the British Election Study, 1983 (SN:2005) were recoded so as to become comparable with these data. It was hoped that the 'splicing' of the two studies would enable researchers to gain a clear idea of how mobility rates and patterns have changed in Britain over recent decades.

Coverage:

Dates of Fieldwork: 1972
Country: England and Wales
Spatial Units: No information recorded
Observation Units: Individuals

Universe Sampled:

Location of Units of Observation: National
Population: Men aged between 20 and 64 and resident in England and Wales in 1972

Methodology:

Time Dimensions: Longitudinal/panel/cohort
part of the sample was re-interviewed in 1974 (SN:1358)
Sampling Procedures: Stratified two-stage: groups of wards and parishes were used as primary sampling units, selected in strata by population density, and the electoral registers for each primary unit were then taken as the frame for the random selection of individuals. For the recoding excercise, a systematic random sample of completed interview schedules was taken. These were sorted according to the primary sampling units of the 1972 enquiry
Number of Units: 10309 (obtained)
Method of Data Collection: Face-to-face interview

Language(s) of Written Materials:

Study Description: English
Study Documentation: English

Access:

Access Conditions: The depositor has specified that registration is required and standard conditions of use apply. The depositor may be informed about usage. See terms and conditions for further information.
Availability: ESDS Access and Preservation, UK Data Archive
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Date of First Release:

1978

File last updated:

24 April 2012