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MRS Network: Census & Geodemographics Group

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Resources

One of the aims of the Census and Geodemographics Group (CGG) is to promote the full use of Census and geodemographic information. To this end the Group have developed a number of resources to aid those working in the field:

The Geodemographic Knowledge Base

The Geodemographic Knowledge Base (GKB) www.geodemographics.org.uk is an international online directory of carefully selected websites on geodemographic and geo-spatial analysis, socio-economic and demographic data sources. The site also includes articles of interest to those working in these areas and publishes an email bulletin.

The GKB Census page provides a gateway to the Census.

Resources on harmonisation

Harmonisation is concerned with the use of standard definitions, concepts, questions and outputs. CGG have compiled a short guide on harmonisation, which gives information on standards available.

Publications and articles

A Guide to the 2001 Census

The MRS (CGG) in association with National Statistics has compiled a guide to using 2001 Census data: A Guide to the 2001 Census: Essential Information for Gaining Business Advantage. The Guide is essential reading for anyone thinking of applying Census data in the commercial and public sectors. It includes contributions from a wide range of industry experts drawn from the world of statistics, academia, business, government and international market research. It has been edited by Keith Dugmore (Demographic Decisions Ltd) and Corrine May (NOP World). Further information and order form.

Article: MRS Social Grade approximation for the 2001 Census

For the first time an approximate social grade (ABC1) can be obtained from Census data. Further information and advice is given in the document – read more on the Social Grade Approximation for the 2001 Census.

Article: Social Grading and the Census

Erhard Meier and Corrine Moy, International Journal of Market Research 46(2), 2004, pp141-170.
A paper discussing the algorithm used to derive social grade data (ABC1 classification) from the 2001 Census. Visit: www.warc.com.

Article: The 2001 Census and its significance for the commercial world

Alison Green, BRC Solutions, March 2004
Useful article written by Alison Green (Strategic Development Manager, Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd) explaining the importance of the Census for commercial organisations. Read The 2001 Census and its significance for the commercial world (PDF 120KB, PDF Help).

Article: Under the Microscope

Robin Flowerdew and Barry Leventhal, based on an article in New Perspectives Magazine, September 1998
Despite their obvious success, no hard theory underlies today’s geodemographic classifications. Robin Flowerdew and Barry Leventhal put one of today’s products to the test and offer fuzzy geodemographics as a possible alternative. Read Under the Microscope (PDF 238KB, PDF Help).

Report: A User’s View of the Census

In February 2005, the MRS Census and Geodemographics Group and the Association of Census Distributors (ACD) submitted a report to the Office for National Statistics, A User’s View of the 2001 Census, read the report and a summary of the ONS response.

ONS Survey Charter

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published a Survey Charter which sets out their commitments to the people and organisations who take part in their surveys and use their survey statistics. Further information and a copy of the Charter can be found on the ONS website at www.statistics.gov.uk/about/ons/survey_charter.asp.

Additional information – lists of current geodemographic classifications, some markets that support geodemographic systems and some syndicated research sources of geodemographic profiles (PDF 39KB, PDF Help).