There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
2014
28%
70%
1%
1%
3,394
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among blacks by religious group
% of blacks who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
22%
78%
< 1%
< 1%
192
Evangelical Protestant
41%
58%
1%
< 1%
495
Historically Black Protestant
29%
69%
1%
1%
1,798
Mainline Protestant
22%
76%
1%
1%
159
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
21%
76%
1%
2%
534
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Age distribution among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
20%
40%
27%
13%
996
Right or wrong depends on the situation
29%
34%
25%
12%
2,245
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
12%
16%
33%
31%
7%
1%
996
Right or wrong depends on the situation
18%
17%
28%
28%
8%
1%
2,245
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
46%
54%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
43%
57%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
10%
5%
86%
1,004
Right or wrong depends on the situation
11%
5%
84%
2,244
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
44%
23%
22%
12%
915
Right or wrong depends on the situation
53%
21%
18%
9%
2,051
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
44%
34%
13%
9%
1,016
Right or wrong depends on the situation
50%
33%
11%
6%
2,287
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
38%
6%
17%
6%
33%
1,021
Right or wrong depends on the situation
27%
7%
17%
7%
42%
2,287
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
34%
66%
1,020
Right or wrong depends on the situation
31%
69%
2,290
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
86%
9%
1%
1%
2%
1%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
81%
12%
3%
1%
2%
1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
81%
13%
3%
3%
1%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
72%
17%
5%
5%
< 1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
54%
32%
13%
1%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
44%
37%
19%
< 1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
77%
12%
4%
6%
1%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
71%
14%
5%
10%
1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
46%
12%
8%
32%
1%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
36%
14%
9%
40%
1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
56%
7%
3%
32%
2%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
51%
9%
4%
35%
1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
74%
11%
6%
8%
1%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
67%
14%
7%
11%
1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
45%
15%
10%
28%
2%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
45%
14%
10%
30%
1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
56%
6%
32%
5%
1%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
38%
8%
47%
6%
2%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
62%
12%
7%
19%
1%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
51%
14%
8%
26%
1%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
55%
22%
3%
13%
7%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
50%
24%
2%
18%
6%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
87%
8%
5%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
86%
10%
4%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
78%
16%
6%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
72%
22%
7%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
13%
15%
72%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
9%
12%
80%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
37%
33%
22%
8%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
29%
34%
28%
8%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
29%
63%
3%
4%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
22%
73%
2%
3%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
30%
63%
5%
2%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
27%
67%
4%
2%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
47%
48%
5%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
56%
40%
5%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
42%
49%
5%
4%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
58%
35%
4%
3%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
35%
55%
10%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
47%
46%
7%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
32%
62%
3%
3%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
35%
61%
2%
3%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among blacks by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of blacks who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
15%
28%
1%
51%
4%
1,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
23%
30%
4%
39%
4%
2,298
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.