The research The Social Dimensions of Inequality (PDSD) is a unique initiative within the Brazilian social sciences. The research stems from the Project for Stratification and Social Mobility Indicators, coordinated by the researcher Nelson do Valle Silva (IESP-UERJ), with CNPQ funding, and who conducted fieldwork throughout Brazil producing a (random) sample with national representation – and with a design comparable to the current National Research Sampling (PNAD-IBGE) until 2004 (i.e. only the rural areas of the North have not been researched).

The idea was to produce a consistent set of sociological indicators for monitoring the dynamics of inequality and social mobility in Brazil. In this sense, the research is wholly unique; and such purpose was fulfilled with thoroughness, depth, and mastery. Official researches conducted by government agencies commonly focus solely on the most basic population attributes and categorizations, often neglecting central issues for the social sciences. The PDSD is extensively rich and detailed, aiming to fill the informational gap on many topics of interest. One of its main motivations was to investigate the process behind the creation and transmission of inequality throughout the life cycle of individuals, identifying crucial moments and landmarks.

The disclosed set of files contain:

• Database
• Technical notes
• Field Material
• Questionnaires 

To download the dataset clik here (.rar file with 8.518 Kb)

The database is in the SPSS format. There are 26,146 lines/cases, each representing an individual. The sampling unit is the household – i.e., all residents within the same household were interviewed. However, the focus of the interview was mainly directed to the heads of households and their spouses. Therefore, there is a greater number of variables and information for people in these positions. We strongly recommend the reading of the technical notes and sample settings.

The documentation is original – and does not contain a dictionary of codes. However, variables in the SPSS file contain labels and detailed descriptions. Moreover, numbering follows that of the questionnaire (which, in turn, can and should be used as supplementary material for the variables). In the Field Manual, one will also find valuable information on how the research was conducted and the meaning of the concepts employed.

By making the PDSD publicly available the Center for Metropolitan Studies honors the researcher Nelson do Valle Silva, one of the leading Social Science scholars in Brazil. Nelson is a pioneer in social stratification studies in the country. His works are of great importance and impact on the study of educational, racial, and occupational inequalities as well as the structuring of classes and the labor market. He is currently a National Senior Researcher at the Institute of Social and Political Studies of the State University of Rio de Janeiro – IESP-UERJ.