Development of and Participation in Political Organizations in New Towns, 1975

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The aims of this study were to collect data about the development of New Town organisational structure as imposed, purposefully or otherwise, by the Development Corporation and to study the development of organisations and the participation levels of residents. An associated qualitative dataset, <i>Development of, and Participation in, Political Organizations in New Towns in the UK</i>, is available via Qualidata at the University of Essex.Main Topics:Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions There were two questionnaires for the two samples: 1. Resident sample 2. Leader sample The questions were largely similar: length of residence in present and previous two addresses, details of previous residence, present tenure, whether considered moving. Sociability, degree of contact with neighbours. Membership of clubs/organisations (present and previous), number of organisations in which respondent was a committee member or which took a stand on public issues and problems. Satisfaction with degree of involvement and changes over the last two years. Whether encouragement given for membership by Development Corporation employees or organisations themselves, body to whom respondent would make suggestions concerning the town, assessment of personal efficacy, political support, attendance at public meetings, discussion with friends, experience of campaign work. Satisfaction with New Town compared to other places of residence. In addition, the Leader sample were asked about their organisations: type, principal activities, year founded, procedure by which founded, number of members, number generally attending meetings, frequency of meetings, issues and problems considered most important, assessment of organisations effectiveness. Actions organisation has taken, proportional classification of members by occupation. Background Variables Age, sex, marital status, number of children/parents/others living in same household. Type of school attended, school-leaving age, further education, employment status, occupation, average family income