British Household Panel Survey (BHPS): Comprehensive Longitudinal Data on UK Households

The British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) is a crucial source of longitudinal data about UK households, conducted by the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Essex.

The British Household Panel Survey (BHPS), conducted by the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Essex, is a pivotal source of longitudinal data that has been instrumental for social and economic research. This survey meticulously tracks the same households over time, collecting valuable information that helps in understanding social and economic changes within the UK.

Historical Context

Initiated in 1991, the BHPS began with around 5,000 households. The survey was designed to collect annual data on numerous aspects of individuals’ lives, including income, education, employment, health, and social ties. Over the years, the survey expanded to cover a broader demographic and geographic spectrum, offering insights into temporal changes in various life domains.

Types and Categories

The BHPS covers a wide array of categories including:

• Demographics: Age, gender, ethnicity, and family structure.
• Economic Activity: Employment status, income sources, and job characteristics.
• Health: Self-reported health status, long-term illnesses, and healthcare usage.
• Education and Training: Levels of education attained and participation in further training.
• Social Relationships and Networks: Marital status, social support networks, and community engagement.
• Housing: Housing conditions, ownership status, and housing costs.

Key Events and Milestones

• 1991: Launch of the BHPS with data collection from approximately 5,000 households.
• 2001: Introduction of new sample regions in Scotland and Wales.
• 2009: Integration of the BHPS into the Understanding Society project, a larger longitudinal survey.

Detailed Explanation

The BHPS provides comprehensive data that researchers and policymakers utilize to examine trends and changes in societal conditions over time. The design of the survey, which tracks the same households yearly, allows for the analysis of stability and change at both the individual and household levels.

Importance and Applicability

The longitudinal nature of the BHPS makes it a crucial resource for:

• Economic Policy Development: Informing decisions on welfare, taxation, and employment policies.
• Social Research: Understanding changes in family dynamics, social mobility, and health outcomes.
• Public Health: Analyzing the impacts of health policies and identifying public health trends.
• Education and Training: Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and labor market policies.

Examples

• Employment Trends: Researchers can assess how economic cycles affect job stability and career progression.
• Health Analysis: Longitudinal data can be used to study the long-term effects of lifestyle factors on health.
• Social Mobility: Examining how family background influences educational and occupational outcomes over time.

Considerations

When using BHPS data, researchers should consider the following:

• Survey Design: Understanding the sampling methods and survey instruments used.
• Data Weighting: Applying appropriate weights to account for survey design and non-response bias.
• Longitudinal Analysis Techniques: Utilizing methods that can handle the complexity of repeated measures data.

Related Terms

• Understanding Society: A large-scale longitudinal survey that incorporates the BHPS sample.
• Panel Study: A survey design where data is collected from the same individuals at multiple points in time.

Interesting Facts

• The BHPS was one of the first studies to provide detailed longitudinal data on a national scale in the UK.
• It has facilitated numerous groundbreaking studies on economic and social issues.

Famous Quotes

“Data is a precious thing and will last longer than the systems themselves.” — Tim Berners-Lee

Proverbs and Clichés

• “Knowledge is power.”

Expressions, Jargon, and Slang

• Longitudinal Study: A research design that involves repeated observations of the same variables over short or long periods.

FAQs

How can I access BHPS data?

The BHPS data is available through the UK Data Service. You will need to register and agree to their terms of use.

Can I use BHPS data for commercial purposes?

Typically, BHPS data is intended for academic research, policy analysis, and teaching purposes. Commercial use may require special permissions.

How often is BHPS data updated?

The original BHPS data collection ended in 2009, but it continues as part of the Understanding Society survey, which provides ongoing updates.

References

• ISER at the University of Essex. (n.d.). British Household Panel Survey. Retrieved from https://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/bhps

Summary

The British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) is a vital resource for social and economic research, providing rich longitudinal data on UK households since 1991. By tracking the same households over time, the BHPS enables researchers to analyze changes and trends in various life domains, significantly contributing to policy development and academic studies.