European Social Survey

The European Social Survey (ESS ) is a social science survey, examined the population 's social and political attitudes from over 30 European countries. It is the biggest European social science survey project, in addition to the Euro barometer of the European Commission and the European Values ​​Study. This is a long-term and comparative social research in Europe be established, which adheres to the highest scientific standards.

After the start of the ESS 1995, the first wave of the survey took place in 2002. The project is funded by the Commission of the European Union. It was awarded the 2005 Descartes Prize, because by the strict selection of respondents and frequent quality checks with the long-term study new standards for intercultural comparative studies have been set.

The German section of the project is coordinated by the Mannheim-based political scientist Jan van Deth, who is involved, even with the sub-study " society and democracy in Europe". The German part of the project was included in the DFG long-term financing.