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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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