The purpose of this survey was to ascertain answers to such questions as whether societies are becoming more or less equal, whether they are expanding or restricting opportunity for their citizens and whether they are offering the kinds of education that will enable nations to cope with the challenges of technological change. The aim was to study the trends, correlates and determinants of social mobility in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. The researchers state that they would welcome requests for access to these data. This dataset contains background information on the people chosen to answer the Phase I postal questionnaire. Age, date and place of birth, marital status, usual place of residence, (one year/five years ago), religion, GCE examinations, educational qualifications (subjects and awarding institutes), educational level. Employment status, occupation (present and one year ago), industry, social class, socio-economic group, place of work, hours worked, means of transport, change of address/occupation.