Communiqué on China’s Third National Time Use Survey (No. 1)

2024-11-01 10:00 Print| Large| Medium| Small

-- China’s Third National Time Use Survey Achieved Successful Completion

National Bureau of Statistics of China

October 31, 2024

The National Bureau of Statistics of China organized the third national time use survey in an effort to comprehensively, authentically, and accurately probe into the time use patterns of residents in China, to objectively reflect their lifestyles and quality of life, and to provide basic data for analyzing social progress and improvements in well-being, and for conducting international comparisons and social research against the needs of formulating policies related to people's livelihood and well-being.

The survey took place from May 11 to May 31, 2024. Survey respondents recorded their time use on one weekday (from Monday to Friday) and one weekend day (from Saturday to Sunday), with 15-minute intervals. With the strong support of various regional departments, the collaborative efforts of statistical agencies and surveyors at all levels nationwide, and the active cooperation of survey respondents, the fieldwork and primary data processing summarization of the third national time use survey were successfully completed.

I. Scientific Survey Design

In accordance with the principles of scientific rigor, standardization, and innovation, the National Bureau of Statistics of China formulated the Third National Time Use Survey Plan after thoroughly reviewing the experiences from the previous two time use surveys, drawing on international classification standards, and widely soliciting input from various parties. This plan specifies the work processes, tasks, and requirements for each survey stage, providing institutional assurance for the orderly conduct of the time use survey. The third national time use survey features significant changes in its scope, respondents, content, and methodology, mainly reflected in a broader survey scope, more comprehensive respondent demographics, richer content, and more convenient methodology.

II. Expanded Survey Scope

For the first time, the scope of the third national time use survey has expanded to cover all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps[1]. This allows for a more comprehensive and accurate reflection of time use among residents in China. The sample selection for this survey was based on the unified national sample of the Survey on Household Income, Expenditure and Living Conditions and was conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics of China.

III. Broadened Respondent Demographics

The target respondents of the third national time use survey include the households selected and all permanent members of these households aged six and above. A total of 38,500 households and 107,000 individuals were surveyed nationwide, including 53,000 males and 54,000 females, with 64,000 residing in urban areas and 43,000 in rural areas. For the first time, the survey added individuals aged 6-14 to better capture time use patterns related to children of relevant age groups with respect to study and daily life.

IV. Richer Survey Content

The third national time use survey divides residents’ daily activities into 6 primary activity domains[2] and 13 major activity categories[3]. Among the 13 major categories, seven include subdivisions, expanding the activity categories to a total of 34. Adjustments have been made to the scope and content of some categories to capture and reflect residents’ time allocation more scientifically and precisely. The design of activity categories and indicators follows the United Nations’ International Classification of Activities for Time-Use Statistics 2016 (ICATUS 2016) and the Guide to Producing Statistics on Time Use, 2024, ensuring strong international comparability.

V. Innovative Survey Methodology

To further enhance survey efficiency, the third national time use survey introduced innovations in methodology, applying digital means widely across the country. A unified data collection and processing software was used, with data primarily collected through a mobile applet that allowed respondents, especially students studying away from home, rural migrant workers, and individuals temporarily away (e.g., for travel, business trips, training), to report their time use independently. For respondents who had difficulty using mobile reporting, paper questionnaires were provided, and surveyors used electronic devices to assist with on-site data collection.

VI. Ensuring Data Quality

The third national time use survey implements a stringent data quality control system to ensure that survey data is verifiable and traceable. Statistical agencies at all levels adhered to the principle of prioritizing data quality and strictly following the survey plan, and offered training and on-site guidance to help respondents understand and accurately complete the survey forms. They rigorously applied real-time review requirements and strengthened the verification and acceptance of data at the grassroots level to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of source data. After the field survey concluded, the National Bureau of Statistics of China conducted a data quality audit, with results showing that the survey was conducted in an organized and orderly manner and the findings were authentic and reliable.

Notes:

[1] The first National Time Use Survey, conducted in 2008, was carried out in 10 provinces and municipalities: Beijing, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan, Guangdong, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Gansu. The second National Time Use Survey, conducted in 2018, expanded to include these 10 provinces and municipalities as well as Shanghai.

[2] The six primary activity domains for residents include essential personal physiological activities, paid labor, unpaid labor, discretionary personal activities, learning and training, and transportation.

[3] The 13 major activity categories for residents include sleep and rest, personal hygiene care, dining or other meals, transportation, labor and employment, learning and training, housework, accompanying and caring for family members, purchase of goods or services, seeking medical treatment, sports and fitness, culture, leisure and entertainment, and social communication.