Review of ERIC (2001-2024): European Social Survey

Description

The European Social Survey (ESS) is a biannual, cross-national research program designed to measure attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour patterns across Europe since 2001. Conducted under strict methodological standards, the ESS employs face-to-face probability-based interviews of residents aged 15 and older, ensuring harmonised, high-quality data suitable for both longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis. Its questionnaire consists of a core module on trust, wellbeing, and participation, alongside rotating thematic modules on issues such as democracy, climate change, and immigration. The ESS has become a central resource for social science research, generating over 10,000 academic publications and widely informing policy debates. The Data has been used in comparative studies on religion, culture, and public opinion regarding regional conflicts. Comprehensive documentation, open access under non-commercial terms, and an online data portal facilitate broad usability. Despite limitations linked to nonresponse, translation, and contextual factors, the ESS remains one of the most authoritative instruments for analysing Europe’s shifting social, political, and moral landscapes.

Countries

Estonia Latvia Lithuania Other Russia Ukraine

Keywords

Political Participation Political Trust Public Opinion Democracy Cross-National Survey Comparative Research Social Attitudes Social Trust Subjective Wellbeing Immigration Attitudes Climate Change Attitudes Welfare State Attitudes

Language of data

English

Disciplines

Demography Economics Political Science Public Health Sociology

Methods of data collection

Public Opinion Poll Structured Anonimous Face-To-Face Interview