Social Bases of West German Politics, 1953

This study, conducted in West Germany prior to the federal election in September 1953, covered four main areas: politics, the respondents' occupational background, family relations, and social relations. Respondents were asked about their intended vote in 1953 and their past vote in 1949. Additional questions explored the extent of the respondents' political information and political interest, and how often and with whom they discussed politics. The occupational background section of the interview probed whether respondents had achieved their occupational goals in life. Employed respondents were queried about their occupational histories and job satisfaction, while unemployed respondents were asked about their interest in entering the labor force. Another portion of the study inquired about the respondents' relationships with their families. Variables assessed whether the respondents lived with relatives or shared financial support. The interview also asked about discussions between husbands and wives, and whether they shared opinions. The fourth major area covered by the study ascertained how frequently and with whom the respondents had long talks, discussed personal problems, or wrote letters. This section also surveyed the respondents' membership and activity in voluntary associations and church-related initiatives. The personal data section of the interview covered the education, income, marital status, sex, age, and religious preference of each respondent. Additional items provide information about the respondents' geographic mobility and place of residence.