Household Panel Surveys in a Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Panel surveys - interviewing members of the same sample every year - provide a unique insight into the dynamics of social change. The construction of internationally comparable panel data sets has been a huge step forward for cross-national research. So - a big welcome to the Swiss Panel Survey!

I will illustrate the value of longitudinal analysis with some examples drawn from the British and European panel surveys. Introducing the time dimension to the measurement of people's social position can transform our view of the processes at work.

I will also review recent and prospective developments in the production and analysis of European panel data, emphasising the benefits of these initiatives, without overlooking some of the difficulties.