FAQ

How can I determine which variables are comparable across years?

If the variables have the same root name then they are comparable across waves.

What else is Understanding Society doing?

a storm wave crashes on a seafront with a lighthouse in the background

Weather’s effect on how we feel about life and money

Many of us have complained about the long, wet winter we had in the UK this year, but can weather conditions influence us more deeply?

23 Mar 2026

an image from the front cover of Daisy Fancourt's Art Cure: a red and white capsule has been opened and a rainbow is pouring out

I will survive – can art make us healthy?

Evidence from Understanding Society supports claims that the arts are good for our health.

09 Mar 2026

New briefing note: Growth with purpose

Understanding Society outlines policy ideas for productivity and fairness.

03 Mar 2026

Image of the front cover of Insights - Barriers to Opportunity

Barriers to Opportunity report published

The new Insights report sifts through the latest evidence on how children and young people are doing, and the factors influencing their life chances

26 Feb 2026

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ESRC Institute for Social and Economic Research University of Essex

The Economic and Social Research Council is the primary funder of the study
The Study is led by a team at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Essex.

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