Search results

This study of 656 respondents in the Detroit metropolitan area provides information on their religious attitudes and activities, as well as their economic and political attitudes and behavior. Respondents were asked about their belief in God and in life after death, the effects of their religious beliefs on their political beliefs, and the kinds of issues religious leaders should take a public stand on. Several questions probed respondents' views of other religious groups, as well as their attitudes on such issues as gambling, birth control, and the use of alcohol. Other topics covered include: information about respondents' economic behaviors such as saving and purchases on installment plans, respondents' opinions of government take-over of large industries and greater involvement in education and housing, respondents' attitudes toward income-earning work, science, degree of free speech, and racial equity, inter-group images, family and child-rearing patterns, welfare legislation, civil liberties, international relations, legislation on moral issues, doctrinal orthodoxy, devotionalism, and the effects of religion on politics as well as on daily life. Demographic variables specify age, sex, race, education, place of birth, marital status, number of children, length of time at present residence, religion, political party affiliation, income, occupation, original nationality of husband's and wife's family, home ownership, social class identification, and length of residence in the Detroit area.

The 1987 Detroit Area Study is a replication of Gerhard Lenski's 1958 study on religion titled DETROIT AREA STUDY, 1958: THE RELIGIOUS FACTOR (ICPSR 7279). In addition to providing standard personal and demographic information such as age, sex, race, religion, marital status, and occupation, the survey also gathered data on the economic and political behavior of respondents and their kinship institutions, as well as the commitment of individuals to socio-religious groups. Questions tapped areas such as inter-group images, class and ethnic distinctions, family and child-rearing patterns, and attitudes toward work, unions, spending, saving, welfare legislation, civil liberties, foreign affairs, minority group rights, and legislation on moral issues. Questions on religion covered doctrinal orthodoxy, the role of religious leaders in politics, and the effect of religion on politics as well as daily life.