Like its predecessors ("Social Indicators" 1973 and 1976), this report contains statistical information describing current social conditions and trends in the United States. Eleven chapters examine major social areas: population and the family; health and nutrition; housing and the environment; transportation; public safety; education and training; work; social security and welfare; income and productivity; social participation; and culture, leisure, and the use of time. Within each subject area, certain topics of social concern are described which relate directly or indirectly to the quality of life. Each chapter contains a brief text, charts, technical notes, and tables. The data represent three types of indicators: system performance, well-being, and public perceptions. In general, the indicators relate to the total population and to selected subgroups reflecting race, age, sex, educational attainment, home ownership status, and family income. The data were obtained from a variety of sources, including the census, large and small national surveys, official registration systems, and crime reports. (Author/RM)