Social Science Data Resources: Sexuality
This research guide identifies electronic datasets to support statistical research in the social sciences.
Key Resources
Remember to check the key resources:
- ICPSRAccess to thousands of social science datasets for research and instruction. A first place to start in looking for social science data for secondary analysis.
- U.S. Census Bureau"Serve(s) as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy." Includes the Decennial Census, the American Community Survey the Economic Census, and more.
- U. S. Government data and statistical resourcesFeatures an alphabetical list of data resources from government agencies. Includes all topics from health, education, economic, crime, child and family, immigration, genealogy, labor and many more.
Sexuality
- Demographic and Health SurveysThis project is implemented by Macro International and funded by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These country surveys, covering Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, are available for direct downloading. Datasets include information on family planning, maternal and child health, child survival, AIDS, educational attainment, and household composition and characteristics. Users must register and receive a password to download.
- Growth of American Families, 1955-1960Women were asked questions about fertility and contraception, including contraceptive use and pregnancy histories, opinions on childbearing and childrearing, expectation of further children, etc. Background information such as marital history, education, income, religion, social characteristics, and place of residence was also collected.
- National Fertility Survey, 1965-1975Women were asked questions about fertility and contraception, including contraceptive use and pregnancy histories, opinions on childbearing and childrearing, desired family size, future childbearing intentions and expectation of further children.
- National Survey of Family GrowthNational Survey of Family Growth (1973, 1976, 1982, 1988, 1995)
Women were asked questions about fertility and contraception, including contraceptive use and pregnancy histories, desired family size, and expectation of further children.The survey also reports background information about the respondent and her husband, such as education, religion, ethnic origin, occupation, and earnings. - Population Research Center at NORC and The University of ChicagoThis site makes available data from some of the Population Research Center's projects. Interesting datasets include the National Health and Social Life Survey, the Chicago Health and Social Life Survey, and the Chinese Health and Family Life Survey. These surveys profile sexual behavior, demography and health.
- General Social Survey (GSS)The GSS contains a standard 'core' of demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal questions, plus topics of special interest. Many of the core questions have remained unchanged since 1972 to facilitate time-trend studies as well as replication of earlier findings. The GSS takes the pulse of America, and is a unique and valuable resource.