Meeting of the Directors of Social Statistics 23-24 February 2016 Agenda Item 5.3 Standardisation of social variables

Background DSS decision in 2011: 16 core social variables to be included in all surveys Standardised variables are essential elements of the modernisation of social statistics DSS in 2013: decision to review list/definitions/ implementation guidelines

Background Definitions: 27 standardised variables Present in at least two EU social micro-data collections Either transmitted to Eurostat or reconstructed by Eurostat Core variables: included in all social micro-data collections 27 standardised variables 13 P1 /14 P2 variables 18 core variables

List of standardised/core variables   Variables P2 variables (14) Country of birth (15) Country of main citizenship (16) Country of birth of father (17) Country of birth of mother (18) Duration of stay in the country of residence in completed years (19) Country of residence (20) Region of residence (21) Degree of urbanisation (22) Status in employment (23) Economic activity of the local unit where employed (economic sector) (24) Occupation in employment (25) Self-perceived general health (26) Limitation in activities because of health problems (27) Current household income

Development/consultation process Responsibility for each variable assigned to one sectoral WG Agreement by the sectoral WG Consolidated proposal sent in written consultation to all WGs DSS document takes on board all comments received

Next steps Descriptions for the P2 variables Eurostat consolidated proposals for the 14 P2 variables -> presented at the DSS in its October 2016 meeting After DSS agreement, a publication gathering all P1 and P2 variables will be prepared by Eurostat Planned to be released in the first half of 2017

Exchange of views forms 22 countries in favour; 6 don't know; 2 against Problem with: Exact date of birth (CZ; SE) Detailed household matrix (CZ; CY, LV; SE; CH) Key issue to be discussed: does DSS consider that 'Real' standardisation (same implementation in all surveys) for age in completed years and household matrix is desirable

Exchange of views forms Detailed comments: Use of administrative registers Household type Tenure status (rent at market/reduced price) Participation in formal education – students Main activity status HETUS excluded from scope of Participation in formal education/training; level of current/most recent formal or training activity Full-time/part-time job (contractual hours)

DSS is invited to: Decide whether 'Real' standardisation (same implementation in all surveys) for age in completed years and household matrix is desirable Endorse the proposed definitions and characteristics of the P1 standardised variables