Abstract:

Since early 1974 the Commission of the European Community has six-monthly opinion polls carried out, among the population aged 15 and over. The paper shows, by way of two examples, the importance and utility of these surveys: 1. The feeling of satisfaction; 2. An indicator of socio-political consensus. Another question, asked on several occasions since 1970 enables the attitude of the public with regard to three fundamental socio-political options to be measured: -to change radically by revolutionary action; -to gradually reform; -to valiantly defend our present society against all subversive forces. An international comparison is essential to a real understanding of opinions, attitudes and behaviour patterns in a given country.