Official Statistics

Community Life Survey 2020/21 - Identity and Social Networks

Analysis of questions from the Community Life Survey 2020/21 related to Identity and Social Networks

Applies to England

Documents

Details

Background

The Community Life Survey collects information about the way adults (16+) communicate with family members and friends, their support networks and the diversity of their friendship groups.

Headline measures - 2020/21

  • 66% of respondents (approximately 30 million people in England) met up in person with friends/family at least once a week, a statistically significant decrease from 2019/20 where the figure was 74% (33 million people).

  • 95% of respondents either definitely or tended to agree that if they needed help, there are people who would be there for them; a similar figure to 2019/20 (95%).

  • There was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of people who spoke on the phone or video/audio call via the internet with family members or friends at least once a week from 81% in 2019/2020 to 85% in 2020/21.

  • 86% of respondents exchanged texts or instant messages with family or friends once a week or more. This is a statistically significant increase from 2019/20 (84%) and has been steadily rising since 2013/14 (76%).

Further data

  • The social capital headline indicators produced by the Office for National Statistics present data covering subjects including personal relationships and social network supports.

  • Understanding Society is a large longitudinal household panel study which collects data on subjects including social and family networks.

Published 29 July 2021

Updates to this page

Published 29 July 2021

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