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 quickly Few social statistics programs at Statistics Canada GSS developed to fill this need for data Over the years, the GSS has introduced various themes and topics Some of the surveys, e.g. Health and Education have their own survey programs now

GSS Topics and Sample Size Health11, Time Use16, Personal Risk 9, Education and Work 9, Family and Friends13, Health11, Time Use 9,815

GSS Topics and Sample Size Personal Risk10, Education and Work11, Family10, Social Support12, Time Use10, Victimization25, Technology25,090

GSS Topics and Sample Size Family History24, Social Support24,870 and Aging Social Engagement25,000 (to be released July 2004) Victimization25,000 (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 Size In 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 use Time use diary Child care diary Unpaid work Time crunch Culture and sports Classification variables

GSS Themes – Time Use Three cycles of data available , 1992 and 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 risk Criminal victimization Abuse and violence by a partner or ex- partner Senior abuse Classification variables

GSS Themes - Victimization Three cycles of data – 1988, 1993 and 1999 The 2004 GSS is the fourth collection of victimization data The 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 Family origins Marriages and common-law Children Fertility intentions Work history Education history Classification 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-being Care giving to seniors Care received by seniors Housing Social contact Classification variables

GSS Themes – Social Support Two cycles of data – 1996 and 2002 for seniors The 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 planning Retirement experience Social contact Education Main activity Classification variables

GSS Themes – Retirement Two cycles of data – 1994 and 2002 The 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, GSS Telephone: (613)