The findings are based on a nationally representative sample of 9,486 adults in England and Wales and a supplementary sample of 4,571 adults from minority ethnic groups. Interviews were conducted between March and September 2003. The findings are presented under the following six categories: rights and responsibilities, influencing political decisions, and institutional trust; perceptions of racial prejudice and discrimination; people's involvement in their neighborhood; social networks; active community participation; and family networks. The survey found that people's trust in political institutions increased between 2001 and 2003, and people were more likely to believe they could influence decisions that affect their local area. The proportion of people who believe there is now more racial prejudice in Britain than 5 years ago increased from 43 percent in 2001 to 47 percent in 2003. Minority ethnic groups were more likely than White people to believe public-sector organizations would discriminate against them. The proportion of people who enjoyed living in their neighborhood declined from 67 percent in 2001 to 63 percent in 2003; however, the proportion of people who felt people in their neighborhood could be trusted increased from 40 percent to 47 percent over this period. High levels of social engagement with friends and neighbors complemented the strong feelings of neighborliness. There was no consistent trend in active community participation between 2001 and 2003. Between 2001 and 2003, the proportion of people living as married couples increased from 48 percent to 53 percent, while the number of households with two or more families living in them declined from 5 percent to 1 percent. Extensive tables and figures