Society changes over time, in ways that are often subtle and sometimes sudden. The Center for the Study of Politics & Society is keeping track.

The Center’s National Data Program for the Social Sciences (NDPSS) conducts two highly respected surveys — the General Social Survey (GSS), NORC’S longest-running project, and the International Social Survey Program (ISSP), a comparative effort that extends to 40-plus other countries. Together, they maintain NORC’s lead in understanding people’s beliefs and practices.

Specifically, the NDPSS has three primary purposes:

• Gathering data on American society in order to monitor and explain trends and constants in attitudes, behaviors, and attributes.
• Gaining fresh perspectives on American society by comparing the United States to other societies, and developing cross-national models of understanding human society.
• Making high-quality data easily accessible to scholars, students, and others with minimal cost and waiting.