ABSTRACT
The social sciences rely more on the comparative method than on experimental data mainly because the latter is difficult to acquire amongst human populations. The International Social Survey Programme has played a pioneering role in creating and sustaining methodologically-sophisticated mass attitude surveys across the globe. Starting in 1984 with five nations, it now encompasses forty-five nations spread over five continents, each administering an identical annual survey to a random sample of their population. Analyses of the data or descriptions of the methodology already appear in over 3,000 publications. This book contains new contributions from three dozen eminent scholars who analyse and compare the perceptions and attitudes of citizens across all five continents, nations and over time. Subjects range from inequality and the role of the state; ethnic, national and global identities; the changing relevance of religion, beliefs and practices; gender roles, family values and work orientations; household and society. Some chapters focus on methodological issues; others focus on substantive findings. This book sets new standards for cross-cultural research.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|43 pages
The International Social Survey Programme
chapter 1|26 pages
The ISSP: history, organization and members, working principles and outcomes
chapter 2|16 pages
A breakthrough in comparative social research
part II|126 pages
Social and political attitudes
chapter 3|23 pages
Economic development reduces tolerance for inequality
chapter 4|19 pages
Views about a just wage compensation
chapter 7|22 pages
Attitudes towards state-organized welfare in twenty-two societies
chapter 8|24 pages
Facts and artifacts in cross national research
part III|106 pages
Social, national and global attitudes and identities
part IV|78 pages
Religion, society and the state
chapter 14|21 pages
Decline or persistence of religion?
part V|116 pages
Gender roles and civic participation in family, work and society