Detroit area study, 1955

This study sampled a cross-section of wives of married couples living in the Detroit metropolitan area. The questionnaire focused on the frequency and nature of the respondent's contact with her relatives. For relatives living in the Detroit area, marital status, household composition, and neighborhood of residence are ascertained. The frequency of and reasons for large family gatherings were also asked. In addition, the nature of help the respondent's family has received from relatives is explored. The respondent's family attitudes were examined through questions about the division of labor and decision-making processes in the home. The causes and methods of handling disagreements between the respondent and her husband were examined. The interactions of the couple, including communication between them, were explored. In addition, the respondent was asked about expected family size and what she felt were the advantages of having children. The 1954 DAS also probed the respondent's use of leisure time, her contacts with neighbors, co-workers and other friends, and her (and her husband's) membership in organizations.