Study title

This survey is carried out on the basis of the research collaboration in "The International Social Survey Programme" (ISSP). ISSP is an international organisation that prepares and coordinates annual surveys in its member countries, mainly within the fields of political science and sociology. The topic of the surveys varies, but are repeated at intervals of a few years. In this way, changes in behavioral patterns and attitudes over time as well as differences between countries and cultures are possible to be detected and measured. Sikt - Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research, became a member of ISSP in 1989 and have since been responsible for carrying out the surveys in Norway. In connection with the survey, Norwegain researchers are invited to add supplementary questions to the Norwegian respondents. In 2001, the objective was to collect data concerning social networks, attachment to local communities and nation states, societal participation, organisational activity and perception of social relations; relationship with family, friends and collegues. The Norwegian supplementary part was in 2001 prepared in collaboration with Tone Fløtten, FAFO, Jo Saglie, Institute for Social Research, Knut Halvorsen, Faculty of Social Sciences, Oslo University College and Dag Hallen, Oddbjørn Evenshaug and Finn Hjardemaal, Institute for Educational Research, University of Oslo. The questions in the Norwegian part deal with issues such as loneliness, belonging to local communities and grand parents.