British Social Attitudes

Alison joined NatCen in 1991, after completing an M.Phil. in Sociology at Nuffield College, Oxford. Her core areas of research are social, political and moral attitudes and values. As Head of Society and Social Change, Alison manages the team responsible for the British Social Attitudes Survey series. These annual surveys focus on people′s attitudes towards a wide range of issues, and the results form the basis of an annual book, published by Sage. Alison is closely involved with the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), a cross-national study of social attitudes, and is the ESRC-funded UK Co-ordinator for the 2002 to 2012 rounds of the European Social Survey. She makes regular radio and television contributions concerning social trends, and was a member of the 2003 Fabian Society Commission on the Future of the Monarchy. John Curtice is a Research Consultant at the Scottish Centre for Social Research, Deputy Director of CREST, and Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University.Katarina Thomson is a freelance editor and a former Research Director at NatCen Catherine is involved in a number of ScotCen′s studies with a particular focus on surveys. She has been director of the 2008-11 Scottish Health Survey and is involved in all stages of the project from questionnaire design through to reporting. The wide range of topics and policy areas covered in this one study make it a fascinating project to work on: from child obesity to adult dental health and alcohol consumption. As Deputy Director of ScotCen Catherine is also very involved in the day to day management of the organization, but maintains a strong involvement with projects, meaning that her research skills are put to good use regularly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Research interestsAttitude formationElectionsGovernance and democracy

• Off the Buses - Sonia Exley and Ian ChristieBuy Now, Pay Later? - Karen Rowlingson and Stephen McKayMarching On Together? Recent Trends in Union Membership - Alex Bryson and Raphael GomezSupport for State Spending - Peter Taylor-Gooby and Charlotte HastieHas New Labour Got It Right?Education, Education, Education - Ted Wragg and Katarina ThomsonIllegal Drugs - Arthur Gould and Nina StratfordHighs and LowsWhere Have All the Voters Gone? - Catherine Bromley and John CurticeEnglish to the Core? - Anthony Heath, Catherine Rothon and Lindsey JarvisThe Ties That Bind - Alison Park and Ceridwen RobertsIn Search of Tolerance - Geoffrey Evans

'I've always enjoyed reading the British Social Attitudes survey, which shows what the British people really think, as opposed to what journalists and politicians like to pretend they think' - John Pilger 'The most trustworthy and comprehensive guide we possess' - The Guardian