SWS was established in August 1985 as a private non-stock, nonprofit social research institution. Its members are social scientists in economics, political science, sociology, statistics, market research, and other fields. Its basic functions include:
- social analysis and research, with stress on social indicators and the development of new data sources
- design and implementation of social, economic, and political surveys, including public opinion polls
- the dissemination of research findings through publications, seminars, briefings, and other channels
Specific activities include:
Syndicated/Omnibus Surveys
- quarterly syndicated survey for the Social Weather Reports
- omnibus surveys, where sponsors may commission any number of items
Special or Dedicated Surveys for specific populations or study groups; impact assessment studies; project benefit monitoring studies
Training and Consultancy on social surveying and opinion polling for
- overnment and private institutions
- other countries, e.g., Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka
Cross-country Survey Research through membership in the
- International Social Survey Programme (ISSP)
- World Values Survey (WVS)
- Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES)
Data Dissemination
- presentations to top policymakers, specialists and the general public
- publication of results through media releases and the SWS website
- sharing the SWS survey datasets with researchers for further analysis
- paper presentations in both local and foreign conferences