The metropolitan survey on activities and lifestyles

Abstract

The Barcelona Metropolitan Corporation and municipalities which form part of it wish to acquire precise information on the activities and way of life of their population. Under the auspices of the Barcelona Institute of Metropolitan Studies, a team of lecturers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona have undertaken a study of the type of questionnaire which could be used periodically as a means of data collection. In the sample, a specific cuota was designated to people older than eighteen years, to be selected on an aleatory basis separately from each of the 1974 census sectors which comprise the Barcelona Metropolitan Corporation. After various modifications the sample totals 4.910 persons. One of the most important objectives of this metropolitan questionnaire is the detection and numerical assessment of existing inequalities in terms of employment, income and adquisitions, in order to comprehend the true, but formerly unknown, magnitude of socio-economic differences and identify the social groups which co-exist in the Area. The social inequalities wich develop as a consequence of the parallel process of homogenization and differentiation must be identified, for they are at the root of the needs and aspirations of the various groups which together inhabit this geographical region.