1972-1994 General Social Survey Cumulative File


Media Exposure


news               HOW OFTEN DOES R READ NEWSPAPER

     How often do you read the newspaper--every day, a few
     times a week, once a week, less than once a week, or
     never?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      55.1  11790      1  EVERYDAY
      20.8   4440      2  FEW TIMES A WEEK
      11.4   2439      3  ONCE A WEEK
       7.6   1621      4  LESS THAN ONCE WK
       5.1   1097      5  NEVER
               40      9  NA
            10953      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 5

     Input location: 1/914


tvhours            HOURS PER DAY WATCHING TV

     On the average day, about how many hours do you
     personally watch television?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       4.5    898      0
      19.3   3839      1
      26.2   5220      2
      19.5   3888      3
      13.6   2697      4
       7.0   1390      5
       4.6    911      6
       0.9    186      7
       2.0    393      8
       0.2     41      9
       0.9    189     10
       0.1     15     11
       0.6    126     12
       0.1     13     13
       0.1     23     14
       0.1     22     15
       0.1     19     16
       0.0      2     17
       0.0      7     18
       0.1     18     20
       0.0      1     21
       0.0      1     22
       0.0      4     24
                7     98  DK
              102     99  NA
            12368      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min:  0     MD Codes: none
     Decimals:   0     Max: 24

     Input location: 1/915-916


radiohrs           HOURS PER DAY LISTENING TO RADIO

     Do you ever listen to the radio? IF YES: On the
     average, about how many hours a day do you usually
     listen to the radio?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       0.5     21      0
      36.9   1664      1
      21.0    944      2
       9.8    442      3
       8.0    360      4
       4.6    207      5
       4.6    205      6
       1.5     69      7
       5.8    263      8
       0.7     30      9
       2.9    132     10
       0.1      6     11
       2.1     95     12
       0.0      2     13
       0.2      7     14
       0.3     14     15
       0.2     11     16
       0.0      2     17
       0.1      5     18
       0.1      6     20
       0.0      1     21
       0.4     18     24
                9     98  DK
               19     99  NA
            27848      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min:  0     MD Codes: none
     Decimals:   0     Max: 24

     Input location: 1/917-918


phone              DOES R HAVE TELEPHONE

     Thank you very much for your time and help. Do you
     have a telephone? May I have your name and (one of
     your) telephone number(s) just in case I have left
     something out in this interview?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       5.9   1823      1  NO PHONE
       2.4    724      2  REFUSED
      88.6  27165      3  PHONE IN HOME
       2.6    805      4  PHONE ELSEWHERE
       0.5    150      5  PHONE,DK WHERE
              100      9  NA
             1613      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0,9
     Decimals:   0     Max: 5

     Input location: 1/919


Interviewer Observations


coop2              RS ATTITUDE TOWARD INTERVIEW

     In general, what was the respondent's attitude toward
     the interview?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      59.6    953      1  FRIENDLY AND EAGER
      37.5    600      2  COOPERATIVE
       2.7     43      3  INDIFFERENT
       0.2      4      4  HOSTILE
               13      9  NA
            30767      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0,9
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/920


coop               RS ATTITUDE TOWARD INTERVIEW

     In general, what was the respondent's attitude toward
     the interview?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      79.1  24126      1  FRIENDLY,INTERESTED
      16.8   5128      2  COOPERATIVE
       3.6   1101      3  RESTLESS,IMPATIENT
       0.5    141      4  HOSTILE
              271      9  NA
             1613      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0,9
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/921


comprend           RS UNDERSTANDING OF QUESTIONS

     Was respondent's understanding of the questions...

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      79.7  25492      1  GOOD
      16.9   5397      2  FAIR
       3.4   1085      3  POOR
              406      9  NA
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0,9
     Decimals:   0     Max: 3

     Input location: 1/922


Experimental Variables


form               FORM OF SPLIT QUESTIONNAIRE ASKED

     A split ballot was used in the 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978,
     1980, and 1982-1993 surveys. The variant or "Y"
     wordings appear on Form 2; the "Z" wordings appear on
     Form 3; and the standard GSS wordings appear on Form
     1. See Appendix P for what variables were on what
     form. See Q. 729 for use of weight variable. See
     Appendix S, GSS Methodological Report No. 36.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      47.1  13071      1  STANDARD <X>
      47.2  13088      2  ALTERNATE <Y>
       5.7   1588      3  ALTERNATE <Z>
             4633      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 3

     Input location: 1/923


abspno             ABORTION IF HUSBAND OPPOSES

     If a woman has decided to have an abortion but her
     husband is against it, do you think she should go
     ahead and have it, or not?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      28.7    395      1  YES
      71.3    979      2  NO
              148      8  DK
                8      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/924


Abortion Part Two


abhave1            HAVE ABORTION IF PROBABLE DEFECT

     (WOMEN): Would you yourself have an abortion if there
     is a strong chance of serious defect in the baby?
     (MEN): Would you yourself advise the woman you were
     married to have an abortion if there is a strong
     chance of serious defect in the baby?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      75.5   1081      1  YES
      24.5    351      2  NO
               87      8  DK
               11      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/925


abhave2            HAVE ABORTION IF HEALTH ENDANGERED

     (WOMEN): Would you yourself have an abortion if your
     health was seriously endangered by the pregnancy?
     (MEN): Would you yourself advise the woman you were
     married to have an abortion if her health was
     seriously endangered by the pregnancy?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      82.9   1204      1  YES
      17.1    249      2  NO
               65      8  DK
               12      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/926


abhave3            HAVE ABORTION IF COULDNT AFFORD CHILD

     (WOMEN): Would you yourself have an abortion if you
     did not think you could afford another child?
     (MEN)  Would you yourself advise the woman you were
     married to have an abortion if you did not think you
     could afford another child?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      29.0    427      1  YES
      71.0   1043      2  NO
               47      8  DK
               13      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/927


ablegal            SHOULD ABORTION EVER BE LEGAL

     Do you think abortions should be legal under any
     circumstances, legal only under certain circumstances,
     or never legal under any circumstances?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      22.1    331      1  ALWAYS
      68.9   1031      2  SOMETIMES
       9.0    135      3  NEVER
               22      8  DK
               11      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 3

     Input location: 1/928


Working Mothers


fechld             MOTHER WORKING DOESNT HURT CHILDREN

     Now I'm going to read several more statements. As I
     read each one, please tell me whether you strongly
     agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with it.
     For example, here is the statement: A. A working
     mother can establish just as warm and secure a
     relationship with her children as a mother who does
     not work.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      21.1   2404      1  STRONGLY AGREE
      41.5   4731      2  AGREE
      28.7   3267      3  DISAGREE
       8.7    991      4  STRONGLY DISAGREE
              119      8  DK
               25      9  NA
            20843      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/930


fehelp             WIFE SHOULD HELP HUSBANDS CAREER FIRST

     B. It is more important for a wife to help her
     husband's career than to have one herself.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       5.8    651      1  STRONGLY AGREE
      27.3   3046      2  AGREE
      48.9   5455      3  DISAGREE
      18.0   2008      4  STRONGLY DISAGREE
              340      8  DK
               37      9  NA
            20843      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/931


fepresch           PRESCHOOL KIDS SUFFER IF MOTHER WORKS

     C. A preschool child is likely to suffer if his or her
     mother works.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      11.0   1239      1  STRONGLY AGREE
      39.5   4444      2  AGREE
      40.3   4532      3  DISAGREE
       9.3   1043      4  STRONGLY DISAGREE
              239      8  DK
               40      9  NA
            20843      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/932


fefam              BETTER FOR MAN TO WORK, WOMAN TEND HOME

     D. It is much better for everyone involved if the man
     is the achiever outside the home and the woman takes
     care of the home and family.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       9.5   1075      1  STRONGLY AGREE
      35.3   3974      2  AGREE
      40.7   4581      3  DISAGREE
      14.5   1627      4  STRONGLY DISAGREE
              244      8  DK
               36      9  NA
            20843      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/933


Women's Rights


eraread            HAS R HEARD OR READ ABOUT ERA

     Have you heard or read about the Equal Rights
     Amendment?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      90.2   2997      1  YES
       9.8    326      2  NO
               63      8  DK
                4      9  NA
            28990      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/934


erameans           DOES R UNDERSTAND WHAT ERA MEANS

     IF YES: Do you understand what the Equal Rights
     Amendment means?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      84.0   2465      1  YES
      16.0    469      2  NO
               57      8  DK
                7      9  NA
            29382      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/935


era                DOES R FAVOR OR OPPOSE ERA?

     Do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat
     oppose, or strongly oppose this amendment?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      25.6    709      1  STRONGLY FAVOR
      48.3   1336      2  FAVOR
      16.9    468      3  OPPOSE
       9.1    252      4  STRONGLY OPPOSE
              194      8  DK
               39      9  NA
            29382      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/936


eratell            DOES R FAVOR OR OPPOSE ERA

     IF NO OR DK TO 253: The Equal Rights Amendment will
     amend the United States Constitution to provide equal
     rights for men and women. Do you strongly favor,
     somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose
     this amendment?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      30.9     47      1  STONGLY FAVOR
      48.0     73      2  SOMEWHAT FAVOR
      13.8     21      3  SOMEWHT OPPOSE
       7.2     11      4  STONGLY OPPOSE
               31      8  DK
                1      9  NA
            32196      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/937


erawhy1            1ST REASON FAVOR-OPPOSE ERA

     Why do you (favor/oppose) the Equal Rights Amendment?
     IF "no opinion" to Q. 253 PROBE: Why is that - why do
     you have no opinion on the Equal Rights Amendment? A.
     First reason.

     32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min:  1     MD Codes: 0,99
     Decimals:   0     Max: 94

     Input location: 1/938-939


erawhy2            2ND REASON FAVOR-OPPOSE ERA

     B. Second reason.

     32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min:  1     MD Codes: 0,99
     Decimals:   0     Max: 92

     Input location: 1/940-941


erawhy3            3RD REASON FAVOR-OPPOSE ERA

     C. Third reason.

     32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min:  1     MD Codes: 0,99
     Decimals:   0     Max: 89

     Input location: 1/942-943


eraimp             IMPORTANCE OF ERA ISSUE

     How important is the Equal Rights Amendment issue to
     you--would you say it is one of the most important,
     important, not very important, or not important at
     all?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      12.3    223      1  ONE OF MOST IMP
      44.9    815      2  IMPORTANT
      31.1    565      3  NOT VERY IMP
      11.7    213      4  NOT IMPORTANT
               39      8  DK
                5      9  NA
            30520      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/944


erainfo            HOW MUCH INFO DOES R HAVE ABOUT ERA

     How much information do you have about the Equal
     Rights Amendment? Do you have all the information you
     need, most of the information, some information, or
     very little information?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      11.8    216      1  ALL INFO R NEEDS
      16.6    305      2  MOST OF THE INFO
      41.4    761      3  SOME INFO
      30.2    555      4  VERY LITTLE INFO
               17      8  DK
                6      9  NA
            30520      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/945


erafirm            HOW FIRM IS RS OPINION ON ERA

     How firm are you about (your opinion on/the way you
     feel about) the Equal Rights Amendment--would you say
     you are very likely to change (your opinion), somewhat
     likely to change, somewhat unlikely to change or very
     unlikely to change your opinion?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       3.7     66      1  CHANGE VERY LIKELY
      20.1    356      2  SOMEWHAT LIKELY
      29.6    525      3  SOMEWHAT UNLIKELY
      46.5    824      4  CHANGE VERY UNLIKELY
               80      8  DK
                9      9  NA
            30520      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 4

     Input location: 1/946


febear             CAN WIFE REFUSE TO HAVE CHILDREN

     If the husband in a family wants children, but the
     wife decides that she does not want any children, is
     it all right for the wife to refuse to have children?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      65.7    902      1  YES
      34.3    471      2  NO
              147      8  DK
               10      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/947


feworkif           MARRIED WOMEN WORK IF JOBS LIMITED

     If there is a limited number of jobs, do you approve
     or disapprove of a married woman holding a job in
     business or industry when her husband is able to
     support her?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      36.3    543      1  APPROVE
      63.7    953      2  DISAPPROVE
               30      8  DK
                4      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/948


Race Part Two


racsubs            FAVOR ATTEMPTS TO INTEGRATE SUBURBS

     Some religious and business groups have set up
     programs to encourage (Negro/Black) people to buy
     houses in white suburbs. Do you favor or oppose these
     voluntary programs to integrate white suburbs?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      41.3    585      1  FAVOR
      58.7    832      2  OPPOSE
              106      8  DK
                7      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/951


racsubgv           SUBURBAN GOVTS ENCOURAGE INTEGRATION

     What about the city government in white suburbs? Do
     you think they should encourage (Negro/Black) people
     to buy homes in the suburbs, should they discourage
     them, or should they leave it to private efforts?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      13.1    193      1  ENCOURAGE
       9.9    146      2  DISCOURAGE
      76.9   1130      3  LEAVE ALONE
               55      8  DK
                6      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 3

     Input location: 1/969


racmarel           WHAT IF RELATIVE MARRIED OTHER RACE

     How would it make you feel if a close relative of
     yours were planning to marry a [(Negro/Black/Wite]?
     Would you be very uneasy, somewhat uneasy, or not
     uneasy at all?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      42.7    635      1  VERY UNEASY
      32.4    481      2  SOMEWHAT UNEASY
      24.9    370      3  NOT UNEASY
               38      8  DK
                6      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 3

     Input location: 1/970


racmarpr           EXPECT PROBS IN INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE

     Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the
     following statements: A. You can expect special
     problems with marriages between (Negroes/Blacks) and
     Whites.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      89.2   1332      1  AGREE
      10.8    161      2  DISAGREE
               31      8  DK
                6      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/971


racsups            EXPECT PROBS IF BLACKS SUPERVISE WHITES

     B. You can expect special problems with (Negro/Black)
     supervisors getting along with workers that are mostly
     White.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      49.3    714      1  AGREE
      50.7    734      2  DISAGREE
               76      8  DK
                6      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/972


racteach           DONT HIRE TEACHERS AGAINST INTEGRATION

     C. A school board should not hire a person to teach if
     that person belongs to an organization that opposes
     school integration.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      49.9    707      1  AGREE
      50.1    710      2  DISAGREE
              103      8  DK
               10      9  NA
            30850      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/973


racavoid           AVOID DRIVING THRU BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD

     If you were driving through the neighborhoods in a
     city, would you go out of your way to avoid going
     through a (Negro/Black) section?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      39.1    519      1  YES
      60.9    807      2  NO
               26      8  DK
                2      9  NA
            31026      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/974


racchng            TRY TO INTEGRATE SOCIAL CLUB

     If you and your friends belonged to a social club that
     would not let [Whites/Negroes/Blacks] join, would you
     try to change the rules so that
     [Whites/Negroes/Blacks] could join?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      61.1   5558      1  YES
      38.9   3537      2  NO
       0.1      8      3  WDNT BELONG
              718      8  DK
               70      9  NA
            22489      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 3

     Input location: 1/975


racquit            QUIT IF COULDNT INTEGRATE CLUB

     IF YES: If you could not get the rules changed, do you
     think you would resign from the club, even if your
     friends didn't?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      45.1    221      1  YES
      54.9    269      2  NO
               37      8  DK
                5      9  NA
            31848      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/976


racdif1            DIFFERENCES DUE TO DISCRIMINATION

     On the average (Negroes/Blacks) have worse jobs,
     income, and housing than white people. Do you think
     these differences are: A. Mainly due to
     discrimination?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      43.0   4825      1  YES
      57.0   6383      2  NO
              543      8  DK
               54      9  NA
            20575      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/977


racdif2            DIFFERENCES DUE TO INBORN DISABILITY

     B. Because most (Negroes/Blacks) have less in-born
     ability to learn?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      18.3   2068      1  YES
      81.7   9211      2  NO
              468      8  DK
               58      9  NA
            20575      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/978


racdif3            DIFFERENCES DUE TO LACK OF EDUCATION

     C. Because most (Negroes/Blacks) don't have the chance
     for education that it takes to rise out of poverty?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      53.0   6029      1  YES
      47.0   5340      2  NO
              380      8  DK
               56      9  NA
            20575      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/979


racdif4            DIFFERENCES DUE TO LACK OF WILL

     D. Because most (Negroes/Blacks) just don't have the
     motivation or will power to pull themselves up out of
     poverty?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      58.4   6484      1  YES
      41.6   4611      2  NO
              646      8  DK
               64      9  NA
            20575      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

     Type: numeric     Min: 1     MD Codes: 0
     Decimals:   0     Max: 2

     Input location: 1/980



1972-1994 General Social Survey Cumulative File