1972-1994 General Social Survey Cumulative File


Economic Inequality


progtax            HOW MUCH INCOME TAX SHOULD RICH PAY?

     Some people think those with high incomes should pay a
     larger proportion (percentage) of thier earnings in
     taxes than those who earn low incomes. Other people
     think that those with high incomes and those with low
     incomes should pay the same proportion (percentage) of
     their earnings in taxes. Do you think those with high
     incomes should pay a much larger proportion, pay a
     larger proportion, pay the same proportion as those
     who earn low incomes, pay a smaller proportion, pay a
     much smaller proportion?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      18.7    337      1  PAY MUCH MORE
      41.7    749      2  PAY MORE
      38.4    690      3  ALL PAY SAME
       0.9     16      4  PAY LESS
       0.3      6      5  PAY MUCH LESS
               76      8  CANT CHOOSE
               20      9  NA
            30486      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2125


eqincome           GOVT SHOULD REDISTRIBUTE WEALTH.

     What is your opinion of the following statement? It is
     the responsibility of the government to reduce the
     differences in income between people with high incomes
     and those with low incomes.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       8.0    369      1  AGREE STRONGLY
      22.9   1061      2  AGREE
      22.0   1020      3  NEITHER
      30.8   1424      4  DISAGREE
      16.3    756      5  DISAGREE STRONGLY
               82      8  DK
              125      9  NA
            27543      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2126


oprich             CHILD OF RICH HAS BETTER OPPORTUNITY.

     Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with
     each of the following statements. A. A person whose
     parents are rich has a better chance of earning a lot
     of money than  person whose parents are poor.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      31.4    210      1  AGREE STRONGLY
      37.7    252      2  AGREE
      12.1     81      3  NEITHER
      15.1    101      4  DISAGREE
       3.6     24      5  DISAGREE STRONGLY
                9      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2127


opprof             CHILD OF PROFSSNL HAS BETTER OPPORTUNITY

     B. A person whose father is a professional has a much
     better chance of getting ahead in life than a person
     whose father is a factory worker.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      20.4    135      1  AGREE STRONGLY
      34.5    229      2  AGREE
      17.8    118      3  NEITHER
      22.6    150      4  DISAGREE
       4.7     31      5  DISAGREE STRONGLY
               14      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2128


opfamily           FAMILY BKGD DETERMINES SUCCESS IN U.S.

     C. In America what you achieve in life depends largely
     on you family background.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       9.7     64      1  AGREE STRONGLY
      20.9    138      2  AGREE
      18.6    123      3  NEITHER
      41.5    274      4  DISAGREE
       9.4     62      5  DISAGREE STRONGLY
               16      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2129


fecolop            COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN.

     Would you say that opportunities for college education
     are, in general, better or worse, for women than for
     men?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       2.2     14      1  MUCH BETTR FOR WOMEN
       7.8     49      2  BETTER FOR WOMEN
      78.6    497      3  NO DIFFERENCE
      10.4     66      4  WORSE FOR WOMEN
       0.9      6      5  MUCH WRSE FOR WOMEN
               33      8  CANT CHOOSE
               12      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2130


fejobop            JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN.

     How about job opportunities for women--do you think
     they are, in general, better or worse than job
     opportunities for men with similar education and
     experience?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       2.8     18      1  MUCH BETTR FOR WOMEN
       8.6     55      2  BETTER FOR WOMEN
      33.3    212      3  NO DIFFERENCE
      50.4    321      4  WORSE FOR WOMEN
       4.9     31      5  MUCH WRSE FOR WOMEN
               30      8  CANT CHOOSE
               10      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2131


feinc              INCOME FOR WOMEN VS. MEN WITH SAME BKGD.

     And how about income and wages -- compared with men
     who have similar education and jobs -- are women in
     general paid better or worse than men?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       1.1      7      1  MUCH BETTR FOR WOMEN
       1.3      8      2  BETTER FOR WOMEN
      21.4    135      3  NO DIFFERENCE
      68.5    432      4  WORSE FOR WOMEN
       7.8     49      5  MUCH WRSE FOR WOMEN
               35      8  CANT CHOOSE
               11      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2132


fehlpbus           GOVT SHOULD AID WOMEN SEEKING JOBS.

     Here are three things the government might do. Some
     people are in favor of them while other people are
     against them. Please circle one number for eahc
     statement to show how you feel. A. The government
     should increase opportunities for women in business
     and industry.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      16.8    111      1  STRONGLY IN FAVOR
      30.1    199      2  IN FAVOR
      34.4    228      3  NEITHER
      15.7    104      4  AGAINST
       3.0     20      5  STRONGLY AGAINST
               15      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2133


fehlpcol           GOVT SHOULD AID WOMEN SEEKING HIGHER ED.

     B. The government should increase opportunities for
     women to go to college.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      13.1     86      1  STRONGLY IN FAVOR
      28.9    189      2  IN FAVOR
      38.8    254      3  NEITHER
      16.8    110      4  AGAINST
       2.3     15      5  STRONGLY AGAINST
               23      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2134


fehlpjob           WOMEN SHOULD BE GIVEN PREFERENCE IN JOBS

     C. Women should be given preferential treatment when
     applying for jobs or promotions.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       5.2     34      1  STRONGLY IN FAVOR
       7.0     46      2  IN FAVOR
      26.8    175      3  NEITHER
      43.6    285      4  AGAINST
      17.3    113      5  STRONGLY AGAINST
               24      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2135


Importance of Educational Subjects


hsbasics           SCHOOL SUBJECTS: READING, WRITING, MATH.

     And now a few questions about education. Here are some
     things that might be taught in school. How importnat
     is it that schools teach each of these to 15 year
     olds? ? A. Reading, writing, and mathematics.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      88.7    590      1  ESSENTIAL
      10.5     70      2  VERY IMPORTANT
       0.5      3      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
       0.3      2      5  NOT NEEDED
                4      8  CANT CHOOSE
                8      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2136


hssexed            SCHOOL SUBJECTS: SEX EDUCATION.

     B. Sex education.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      16.8    108      1  ESSENTIAL
      29.5    190      2  VERY IMPORTANT
      34.3    221      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
      11.0     71      4  NOT VERY IMPORTANT
       8.4     54      5  NOT NEEDED
               16      8  CANT CHOOSE
               17      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2137


hsrespct           SCHOOL SUBJECTS: RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY.

     C. Respect for authority.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      48.2    316      1  ESSENTIAL
      32.8    215      2  VERY IMPORTANT
      15.1     99      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
       2.6     17      4  NOT VERY IMPORTANT
       1.4      9      5  NOT NEEDED
                9      8  CANT CHOOSE
               12      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2138


hslibart           SCHOOL SUBJECTS: HISTORY, LITER., ARTS

     D. History, literature, and the arts.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      37.9    250      1  ESSENTIAL
      33.4    220      2  VERY IMPORTANT
      23.7    156      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
       4.6     30      4  NOT VERY IMPORTANT
       0.5      3      5  NOT NEEDED
                7      8  CANT CHOOSE
               11      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2139


hsjudge            SCHOOL SUBJECTS: GOOD JUDGEMENT.

     E. Ability to make one's own judgements.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      49.0    319      1  ESSENTIAL
      36.4    237      2  VERY IMPORTANT
      11.4     74      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
       2.8     18      4  NOT VERY IMPORTANT
       0.5      3      5  NOT NEEDED
               12      8  CANT CHOOSE
               14      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2140


hsjobtr            SCHOOL SUBJECTS: JOB TRAINING.

     F. Job training.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      41.3    273      1  ESSENTIAL
      35.9    237      2  VERY IMPORTANT
      16.9    112      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
       4.4     29      4  NOT VERY IMPORTANT
       1.5     10      5  NOT NEEDED
                6      8  CANT CHOOSE
               10      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2141


hssci              SCHOOL SUBJECTS: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

     G. Science and technology.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      38.1    249      1  ESSENTIAL
      38.4    251      2  VERY IMPORTANT
      20.6    135      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
       2.9     19      4  NOT VERY IMPORTANT
               11      8  CANT CHOOSE
               12      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2142


hscaring           SCHOOL SUBJECTS: CONCERN FOR OTHERS.

     H. Concern for minorities and the poor.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      25.7    165      1  ESSENTIAL
      32.8    211      2  VERY IMPORTANT
      29.4    189      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
       7.6     49      4  NOT VERY IMPORTANT
       4.5     29      5  NOT NEEDED
               19      8  CANT CHOOSE
               15      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2143


hsorder            SCHOOL SUBJECTS: DISCIPLINE AND ORDER.

     I. Discipline and orderliness.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      47.7    312      1  ESSENTIAL
      35.6    233      2  VERY IMPORTANT
      13.6     89      3  FAIRLY IMPORTANT
       2.0     13      4  NOT VERY IMPORTANT
       1.1      7      5  NOT NEEDED
               10      8  CANT CHOOSE
               13      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2144


Government Education Assistance


colop              SHOULD CHANCES FOR COLLEGE BE CHANGED?

     How do you feel about opportunities for young people
     to go to college. Should opportunities be...

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      43.8    288      1  INCREASED A LOT
      26.3    173      2  INCREASED A LITTLE
      26.3    173      3  KEPT THE SAME
       2.9     19      4  REDUCED A LITTLE
       0.6      4      5  REDUCED A LOT
               15      8  CANT CHOOSE
                5      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2145


aidneedy           GOVT MONEY FOR LOW INCOME STUDENTS.

     Some people think the government should provide
     financial assistance to college students. Others think
     the government should not provide such aid. In each of
     the circumstances listed below should the government
     provide grants that would not have to be paid back,
     provide loans which the student would have to pay
     back, or should the government not provide any
     financial assistance? A. for students whose parents
     have a low income.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      42.1    279      1  GOVT GIVE GRANTS
      53.0    351      2  GOVT MAKE LOANS
       4.8     32      3  NO GOVT ASST
                6      8  CANT CHOOSE
                9      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2146


aidsmart           GOVT MONEY FOR HIGH ACHIEVING STUDENTS.

     B. For students who have outstanding grades in high
     school.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      34.9    226      1  GOVT GIVE GRANTS
      56.3    364      2  GOVT MAKE LOANS
       8.8     57      3  NO GOVT ASST
               13      8  CANT CHOOSE
               17      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2147


aidavg             GOV $ FOR STDNTS WITH AVG INC AND GRADES

     C. For students who have average grades and middle
     income parents.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      15.4     99      1  GOVT GIVE GRANTS
      67.2    431      2  GOVT MAKE LOANS
      17.3    111      3  NO GOVT ASST
               20      8  CANT CHOOSE
               16      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2148


Public Authorities' Role in Child Raising


kiddrugs           GOVT INTERVENE: CHILD USES DRUGS.

     Sometimes public authorities intervene with parents in
     raising their children. Please indicate in each of the
     following cases how far you think authorities should
     go in dealing with a 10 year old child and his or her
     parents.  A. The child uses drugs and the parents
     don't do anything about it. Public authorities should:


       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       2.8     18      1  TAKE NO ACTION
      72.1    468      2  GIVE WARNING
      25.1    163      3  TAKE CHILD
               16      8  CANT CHOOSE
               12      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2149


kidskips           GOVT INTERVENE: CHILD SKIPS SCHOOL.

     B. The child frequently skips school and the parents
     don't do anything about it.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       4.0     26      1  TAKE NO ACTION
      89.7    586      2  GIVE WARNING
       6.3     41      3  TAKE CHILD
               11      8  CANT CHOOSE
               13      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2150


kidout             GOVT INTERVENE: CHILD STAYS OUT LATE.

     C. The parents regularly let the child stay out late
     at night without knowing where the child is.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      10.6     67      1  TAKE NO ACTION
      76.8    486      2  GIVE WARNING
      12.6     80      3  TAKE CHILD
               29      8  CANT CHOOSE
               15      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2151


kidneedy           GOVT INTERVENE: CHILD IS NEGLECTED.

     D. The parents fail to provide the child with proper
     food and clothing.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       3.5     22      1  TAKE NO ACTION
      42.4    266      2  GIVE WARNING
      54.1    340      3  TAKE CHILD
               34      8  CANT CHOOSE
               15      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2152


kidbeat            GOVT INTERVENE: CHILD IS ABUSED.

     E. The parents regularly beat the child.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       2.9     19      1  TAKE NO ACTION
      14.6     94      2  GIVE WARNING
      82.5    532      3  TAKE CHILD
               15      8  CANT CHOOSE
               17      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2153


kidhlth            GOVT INTERVENE: CHILD NOT GIVN MED TRTMT

     F. The parents refuse essential medical treatment for
     the child because of their religious beliefs.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       6.8     41      1  TAKE NO ACTION
      36.8    223      2  GIVE WARNING
      56.4    342      3  TAKE CHILD
               58      8  CANT CHOOSE
               13      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2154


kidedpar           GOVT INTERVENE: CHILD NOT SENT TO SCHOOL

     G. The parents refuse to send their child to school
     because they wish to educate the child at home.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      23.5    140      1  TAKE NO ACTION
      62.7    373      2  GIVE WARNING
      13.8     82      3  TAKE CHILD
               67      8  CANT CHOOSE
               15      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2155


kidxfilm           GOVT INTERVENE: CHLD ALLOWED TO SEE PORN

     H. The parents allow the child to watch violent or
     pornographic films.

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      14.8     91      1  TAKE NO ACTION
      74.6    457      2  GIVE WARNING
      10.6     65      3  TAKE CHILD
               49      8  CANT CHOOSE
               15      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2156


Legal Issues


beltup             GOVT SHOULD REQUIRE USE OF SEAT BELTS.

     Do you think that the wearing of seat belts in cars
     should be required by law?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      21.4    143      1  AGREE STRONGLY
      28.0    187      2  AGREE
      23.8    159      3  NEITHER
      17.8    119      4  DISAGREE
       8.8     59      5  DISAGREE STRONGLY
               10      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2157


nosmoke            GOV SHOULD PROHIBIT SMOKING IN PUB AREAS

     Do you think that smoking in public places should be
     prohibiited by law?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
      20.1    134      1  AGREE STRONGLY
      25.4    170      2  AGREE
      22.5    150      3  NEITHER
      25.0    167      4  DISAGREE
       7.0     47      5  DISAGREE STRONGLY
                9      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2158


mustret            GOVT SHOULD ENFORCE MANDATORY RETIREMENT

     Do you think that all employees should be required to
     retire at an age set by law?

       PCT      N  VALUE  LABEL
       5.2     35      1  AGREE STRONGLY
      12.7     85      2  AGREE
      16.8    112      3  NEITHER
      43.3    289      4  DISAGREE
      21.9    146      5  DISAGREE STRONGLY
               10      9  NA
            31703      .  (No Data)
            -----
            32380 cases

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

     Input location: 1/2159



1972-1994 General Social Survey Cumulative File