General Social Survey – Public Use Microdata Files

The General Social Survey (GSS) program was established in 1985 and is recognized for its regular collection of cross-sectional data that allows for trend analysis and its capacity to test and develop new concepts that address current and emerging issues. GSS data has served as evidence behind key government programs and policies aimed at improving the well-being of Canadians.

The two primary objectives of the GSS are:
a) to gather data on social trends in order to monitor changes in the living conditions and well-being of Canadians over time; and,
b) to provide immediate information on specific social policy issues of current or emerging interest.

The GSS cycles cover topics such as:

• Access to and Use of Information Communication Technology
• Canadian Safety (Victimization)
• Canadians at work and home
• Caregiving and care receiving
• Education, Work and Retirement
• Family
• Giving, Volunteering and Participating
• Health
• Social Identity
• Time Use

Access to and Use of Information Communication Technology

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the General Social Survey - Access to and Use of Information Communication Technology collects detailed information on access to and use of information communication technology in Canada. Topics include general use of technology and computers, technology in the workplace, development of computer skills, frequency of Internet and E-mail use, non-users and security and information on the Internet.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs - General Social Survey - Access to and Use of Information Communication Technology

Reference period: 2000

Canadian Safety (Victimization)

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the General Social Survey – Canadians' Safety is to better understand how Canadians perceive crime and the justice system and to capture information on their experiences of victimization.

This survey is the only national survey of self-reported victimization and is collected in all provinces and territories. The survey allows for estimates of the numbers and characteristics of victims and criminal incidents.

Topics covered are: neighbourhood safety, crime prevention, risks and perceptions, abuse by current spouse/partner, crime incidents, criminal harassment, confidence in police, hate crimes, cyber bullying, experiences of discrimination, health and well-being and also a variety of socio-demographic measures.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs — General Social Survey — Canadians' Safety

Note: Topics can vary by cycle.

Reference period: 1988 | 1993 | 1999 | 2004 | 2009 | 2014 | 2019

Canadians at Work and Home

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the General Social Survey – Canadians at Work and Home takes a comprehensive look at the way Canadians live by incorporating the realms of work, home, leisure, and overall well-being into a single unit. Data from this survey will assist with program and policy decisions and research related to the workplace, home life and leisure activities of Canadians.

The survey includes a multitude of themes. In the work sphere, it explores important topics such as work ethic, work intensity and distribution, compensation and employment benefits, work satisfaction and meaning, intercultural workplace relations, and bullying and harassment. On the home front, questions include family activity time, the division of labour and work-life balance. The survey also covers eating habits and nutritional awareness, the use of technology, sports and outdoor activities, and involvement in cultural activities.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs — General Social Survey: Canadians at Work and Home

Note: Topics can vary by cycle.

Reference period: 2016

Caregiving and Care Receiving

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the General Social Survey – Caregiving and Care Receiving provides a snapshot of the lives of caregivers and care receivers.

This survey collects information on Canadians who receive help or care because of a long-term health condition, a disability or problems related to aging, and those who provide help or care to family members or friends with these types of conditions.

Topics covered are: types and amount of care family caregivers provide, the kinds and amounts of care Canadians receive, and the unmet needs of those who need care but are not receiving it. An expanded set of questions covers the impact of caregiving on various aspects of the lives of caregivers. Respondents are also asked questions about their overall health, employment, housing and other socio-demographic characteristics such as birth place, religion and language.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs — General Social Survey — Caregiving and Care Receiving

Note: Topics can vary by cycle.

Reference period: 1996 | 2007 |2012 | 2018

Education, Work and Retirement

The Public Use Microdata File (PUMF) of the General Social Survey – Education, Work and Retirement  collects information on changing trends in education, work and retirement, and examined the relationships between these three main activities.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): General Social Survey - Education, Work and Retirement

Reference period: 1989 | 1994 |2002 | 2007

Family

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the General Social Survey - Family monitors changes in Canadian families. The information collected can inform program and policy areas such as parental benefits, child care strategies, child custody and spousal support programs.

Topics covered are:  family origin, leaving the parental home (when and why), respondents' conjugal history (marriages, common-law unions, separations and divorces), the respondents children (biological, adopted or step) and their living arrangements, maternity and parental leave, childcare arrangements, intentions to form (or re-form) a union, fertility intentions, custody and financial support agreements and work history.

Labour market activity, education, health and subjective well-being and other sociodemographic characteristics of the respondent and spouse/partner are collected.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs - General Social Survey - Family

Note: Topics can vary by cycle.

Reference period: 1990 | 1995 | 2001 | 2006 | 2011 | 2017

Giving, Volunteering and Participating

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the General Social Survey – Giving, Volunteering and Participating provides data on individual contributory behaviors including volunteering, charitable giving and civic participation as well as informing both the public and voluntary sectors in policy and program decisions that relate to the charitable and volunteer sector.

The file includes information on a wide range of topics, including: formal volunteering, history of volunteering, reasons for and qualities of experience with volunteering, skills use, reasons for not volunteering or volunteering more, informal volunteering and employer support of volunteering. It also provides information on contributing to charitable or non-profit organizations, giving specifics, decisions and reasons for giving (more) or not giving.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs — General Social Survey — Giving, Volunteering and Participating

Note: Topics can vary by cycle.

Reference period: 2013 | 2018

Health

The Public Use Microdata File (PUMF) of the General Social Survey – Health collects detailed information on the main theme, including short- and long-term disability, well-being, height and weight, health problems, smoking alcohol use, physical activity, sleep and use of health care services.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs - General Social Survey - Health

Reference period: 1985 | 1991

Social Identity

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the General Social Survey – Social Identity provides an overall picture of Canadians’ identification, attachment, belonging and pride in their social and cultural environment.

The file includes information on a wide range of topics, including: social networks, civic participation and engagement, knowledge of Canadian history, pride in Canadian achievements, shared values, confidence in institutions, experiences of discrimination, and trust in people.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs — General Social Survey — Social Identity

Note: Topics can vary by cycle.

Reference period: 2003 | 2008 | 2013 | 2020

Time Use

The public use microdata file (PUMF) from the General Social Survey – Time Use monitors changes in time use to better understand how Canadians spend and manage their time and what contributes to their well-being and stress.

The survey included general questions about time use and respondents kept a diary of what they did for a 24 hour period.

The file includes information on time use, perceptions of time, such as unpaid work, caring for children or providing care to seniors, life satisfaction, work arrangements and satisfaction with work-life balance.

Note: Topics can vary by cycle.

For more information about this survey (questionnaires, definitions, data sources and methods used): Surveys and statistical programs — General Social Survey — Time Use

Reference period: 1986 | 1992 | 1998 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015