The 'stock take' of UK residents on census day Sunday 27 March provides valuable data for social scientists.

The first findings of the Understanding Society survey have been published, covering a wide range of areas of people's lives and experiences.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the UK, and new research based on longitudinal studies shows how people from some ethnic backgrounds are more at risk than others.

Professor Paul Cheshire: Despite its importance for welfare, housing in Britain is arguably worse and more expensive than in any comparable country in the world.

Professor Richard Rodger looks at structural and sociological shifts brought about changing housing policy over the last 100 years.

The vision of active local communities, reinvigorated and empowered by engaged residents, is at the heart of the drive for ‘Big Society’.

Encouraging people to escape from areas of high unemployment sounds great in theory, but will it work?

Professor Alan Walker: An ageing UK population represents both challenges and opportunities, but requires both a change in attitudes and targeted policies.