It is the foremost public-opinion polling body in the Philippines.

As an independent institution, it formally registered on 8 August 1985.

As an independent institution, the SWS formally registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC on August 8, 1985.

Its mission is to regularly do scientific social surveys for the sake of education (so eyes may see social conditions), conscientization (so hearts may feel social problems); and analysis (so minds may understand their solutions).

[1] Its basic functions include: social analysis and research, with stress on social indicators and the development of new data sources; design and implementation of social, economic, and political surveys, including public opinion polls; and the dissemination of research findings through publications, seminars, briefings, and other channels.