General Social Survey

Housing, Family and Social Statistics Division

GSS Objectives

The two primary objectives of the General Social Survey (GSS) are: to gather data on social trends in order to monitor changes in the living conditions and wellbeing of Canadians over time; and to provide immediate information on specific social policy issues of current or emerging interest.

GSS Overview

The GSS program, established in 1985, conducts telephone surveys from a sample selected across the 10 provinces. The GSS is recognized for its regular collection of cross-sectional data that allows for trend analysis, and its capacity to test and develop new concepts to address emerging issues.

History of the GSS

In the mid 1980’s spending on social programs was rising quicklyFew social statistics programs at Statistics CanadaGSS developed to fill this need for dataOver the years, the GSS has introduced various themes and topicsSome of the surveys, e.g. Health and Education have their own survey programs now

GSS Topics and Sample Size

1. 1985Health 11,2002. 1986Time Use 16,3903. 1988Personal Risk 9,8704. 1989Education and Work 9,3385. 1990Family and Friends 13,4956. 1991Health 11,9247. 1992Time Use 9,815

GSS Topics and Sample Size

8. 1993Personal Risk 10,3859. 1994Education and Work 11,87610.1995 Family 10,74911.1996 Social Support 12,75612.1998 Time Use 10,74913.1999 Victimization 25,87614.2000 Technology

25,090

GSS Topics and Sample Size

15.2001 Family History 24,31016.2002 Social Support 24,870

and Aging17.2003 Social Engagement 25,000

(to be released July 2004)18.2004 Victimization 25,000

(to be released summer 2005)

GSS Methodology

The survey collects data over a 12-month period from the population living in private households in the 10 provinces.For all cycles except Cycle 16, the population aged 15 and older has been sampled. Cycle 16 only sampled persons aged 45 and older.

GSS Methodology

Computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) is used to collect data for the GSS.Coverage is very good as less than 2% of households in the 10 provinces do not have telephones. Response rates for the GSS are typically around 80%.

GSS Sample SizeIn 1999, the sample size was increased from 10,000 to approximately 25,000 With a sample of 25,000, basic estimates are available at both the national and provincial levels. Depending on the survey topic, the increased sample size may also be sufficient to produce estimates for small population groups such as persons with disabilities, people in visible minorities and seniors. However, the sample size is not large enough to produce estimates for Aboriginal peoples.

GSS Themes – Time Use

Major subjects surveyed in 1998 –General time useTime use diaryChild care diaryUnpaid workTime crunchCulture and sportsClassification variables

GSS Themes – Time Use

Three cycles of data available - 1986, 1992 and 1998 1986 collection was only for one month The data has been used to study – Time crunch Division of labour in the household Commuting Time use pre and post life transitions

GSS Themes - Victimization

Major subjects surveyed in 1999 –Perceptions of safety and riskCriminal victimizationAbuse and violence by a partner or ex-partnerSenior abuseClassification variables

GSS Themes - Victimization

Three cycles of data – 1988, 1993 and 1999 The 2004 GSS is the fourth collection of victimization dataThe data has been used to study – Family violence Spousal violence after separation Attitudes towards the justice system Perceptions of policing

GSS Themes - Family

Major subjects surveyed in 2001-Family originsMarriages and common-lawChildrenFertility intentionsWork historyEducation historyClassification variables

GSS Themes - Family

Three cycles of data available – 1990, 1995 and 2001 The data has been used to study – Common law unions Fertility intentions Extended and blended families Leaving the nest

GSS Themes – Social Support

Major subjects surveyed in 2002 –Activities Health status and well-beingCare giving to seniorsCare received by seniorsHousing Social contactClassification variables

GSS Themes – Social Support

Two cycles of data – 1996 and 2002 for seniorsThe data has been used to study – Eldercare in Canada Short term care-giving Economic and social impacts on

caregivers Unmet needs of seniors Palliative care

GSS Themes – Retirement

Major subjects surveyed in 2002 –Retirement planningRetirement experienceSocial contactEducationMain activityClassification variables

GSS Themes – Retirement

Two cycles of data – 1994 and 2002The data has been used to study – Transitions to retirement Returning to work after retirement Changing retirement plans Reasons for retirement Spousal effect on deciding to retire

General Social Survey

For more information contact –

Susan Stobert,Manager, GSSTelephone: (613) 951-6496Email: susan.stobert@statcan.ca