UKHLS

UKHLS, or the Understanding Society - The UK Household Longitudinal Study, is a comprehensive research initiative conducted in the United Kingdom to gather detailed data on various aspects of people's lives and societal changes over time. Launched in 2009 by the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Essex, UKHLS aims to provide policymakers, researchers, and social scientists with rich longitudinal data that track the same households and individuals across multiple years.

The study covers a wide range of topics, including employment, education, health, housing, family dynamics, and attitudes. Its longitudinal design allows for the analysis of causal relationships and the investigation of social trends and patterns over time. UKHLS encompasses around 40,000 households, representing a nationally representative sample of the UK population.

Participants in UKHLS participate in regular surveys, typically annually or biennially, which collect information through interviews and questionnaires. The data collected support research into social mobility, economic wellbeing, health disparities, and the impacts of policy changes. Access to anonymized datasets is available to researchers and institutions, fostering a wide array of academic studies and policy evaluations.

UKHLS has become one of the most significant sources of social data in the UK, influencing government policy and academic research. Its extensive and ongoing nature provides valuable insights into societal shifts, social inequalities, and the changing landscape of UK society over the past decade. The study continues to adapt and expand, incorporating new topics and methodologies to remain relevant and comprehensive.