Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The Living in Britain Survey, 1983 took the form of a public opinion poll conducted amongst adults in Britain on behalf of London Weekend Television. It formed the basis of the 'Breadline Britain' television series. The survey investigated the public's perceptions of minimum needs and then identifying those who could not afford these necessities. The survey established, for the first time ever, what the majority of people see as the 'necessities of life', covering a wide range of goods and activities. The research found that people judge a minimum standard of living on socially established criteria and not just on the criteria of survival or subsistence.

A good modern guide to the survey is available on the Poverty and Social Exclusion (PSE) project website Breadline Britain 1983 webpages, which also include links to online documents such as the questionnaire, findings reports and Mack and Lansley's 1985 book based on the survey and TV series, 'Poor Britain' (see the Publications section below).


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The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, and asked respondents to select items from a list and state whether they thought the items were necessary to meet basic needs and that people should not have to do without them, regardless of income.