Social Survey of Bristol

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A PHBLIMINAIIY report on the (standard of living in Bristol, by H. Tout, has been issued by the University of Bristol Social Survey, of which Mr. Tout is director (“The Standard of Living in Bristol: a Preliminary Keport of the Work of tho University of Bristol Social Survey.” By Herbert Tout. Pp. 64. Bristol and London: J. W. Arrowsmith, Ltd., 1938. Is. net). The comprehensive social survey of Bristol which is nearing completion has been made possible by the Colston Research Society, which has assumed entire financial responsibility, while the University undertook responsibility for the conduct of the research work and the appointment of the Survey staff. The preliminary report is only concerned with incomes which fall below middle-class levels, and covers four fifths of all Bristol families. The report indicates that, on the whole, the typical Bristol family is fortunately placed and probably better off than the families of many other towns. There are estimated to be 12,000 families in the Survey area which are very comfortable by the prevailing standards, which are not high, in the classes covered. At the other end of the scale there are 11,000 families in poverty. Between these extremes there are 56,000 families whose standard of living calls for no special remark, and some of these have a small margin for saving or pleasure. Beneath them come 21,000 families who, whilst not in poverty, have a hard struggle and whose lot is far from comfortable. Probably 40,000 people in the area live in actual poverty, and among them a disproportionate number of children, so that one out of five working-class children comes from a home that is unable to give it a fair start in life.