This is the 33rd edition of Social Trends - one of the flagship publications from the Office for National Statistics. It draws together statistics from a wide range of government departments and other organisations to paint a broad picture of our society today, and how it has been changing. Each of the 13 chapters focuses on a different social policy area, described in tables, figures and explanatory text. This year Social Trends features an article on social capital, which describes how people’s interaction with family, friends and others can benefit themselves, and the wider community. This title is ideal for policy makers in the public and private sectors; service providers; people in local government; journalists and other commentators; academics and students; schools and the general public.