European Communities Study, 1973; Political Attitudes in Europe

<p>Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.</p>A precursor to the Eurobarometer studies, this survey queried respondents on some of what would become standard Eurobarometer measures, such as how satisfied they were with their present lives, whether they attempted to persuade others close to them to share their views on subjects they held strong opinions about, whether they discussed political matters, what their country's goals should be for the next ten years, and how they viewed the need for societal change. Additional questions focused on the respondents' knowledge of and opinions on the European Community (EC), including how well-informed they felt about the EC, what sources of information about the EC they used, whether their country had benefited from being an EC member, and the extent of their personal interest in EC matters. Another major focus of the surveys was on the respondents' satisfaction with various aspects of life and society, including satisfaction with their work, housing, leisure time, welfare programs, and life in general. Respondents' political attitudes were also assessed. For example political party preference, political participation, and which goals they felt were important for their country. Another series of questions focused on the European Community. Respondents were asked to name the countries that had recently joined the Common Market. They were also asked to rate the information they received from the news media along several dimensions. Other questions covered respondents' attitudes toward their countries' EC membership. For example whether it was good or bad and why, whether their own country or the European Community could better handle certain problems, and whether it was desirable to work toward a United Europe. Respondents were also asked which party they supported and to place themselves on a left-right ideological scale.<br> <br> Further information and documentation can be found on the <a href="http://www.gesis.org/en/eurobarometer/survey-series/standard-special-eb/" title ="GESIS Standard and special topic Eurobarometer">GESIS Standard and special topic Eurobarometer</a> web pages.<br> <br> For the second edition (7 March 2008) the age variable V109 has been corrected.<br><B>Main Topics</B>:<br>The two main topic areas are:<ul><li>Attitudes to the European Community and European unification</li><li>General satisfaction of respondent with various areas of life and society</li>