Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201441%53%4%2%6,516
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.

Learn More: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults in the Northeast by religious group

% of adults in the Northeast who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic45%49%4%2%2,023
Evangelical Protestant49%44%4%2%759
Historically Black Protestant28%67%4%1%247
Jewish31%60%5%3%350
Mainline Protestant48%46%4%2%1,131
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")33%61%4%2%1,499
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.

Learn More: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good20%33%28%19%2,529
Does more good than harm23%33%26%18%3,432
Neither/both equally14%37%28%21%261
Don't know14%32%20%35%138
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good13%12%28%33%12%1%2,529
Does more good than harm15%14%27%31%11%2%3,432
Neither/both equally7%19%26%35%12%2%261
Don't know7%13%25%25%25%5%138
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good52%48%2,591
Does more good than harm44%56%3,510
Neither/both equally50%50%269
Don't know52%48%146
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.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good76%7%4%10%2%2,544
Does more good than harm66%13%4%13%4%3,458
Neither/both equally67%12%3%13%6%263
Don't know72%10%4%10%5%141
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good15%14%71%2,551
Does more good than harm18%15%67%3,448
Neither/both equally19%11%70%264
Don't know20%14%66%143
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good26%20%30%23%2,175
Does more good than harm36%18%24%22%3,030
Neither/both equally26%23%29%22%213
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good44%28%17%11%2,577
Does more good than harm37%28%20%15%3,486
Neither/both equally31%28%21%20%267
Don't know58%18%11%13%145
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good52%7%10%6%25%2,570
Does more good than harm42%9%12%7%30%3,491
Neither/both equally51%10%14%5%21%269
Don't know46%5%13%12%24%142
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good25%75%2,577
Does more good than harm27%73%3,499
Neither/both equally26%74%269
Don't know22%78%145
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Does more harm than good60%23%6%1%8%2%2,591
Does more good than harm50%23%8%1%15%3%3,510
Neither/both equally60%19%5%2%11%4%269
Don't know65%15%1%7%5%7%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good47%28%13%11%< 1%2,591
Does more good than harm42%27%14%16%1%3,510
Neither/both equally50%23%12%12%3%269
Don't know62%22%6%6%5%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who attend religious services…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good31%36%32%< 1%2,591
Does more good than harm28%34%38%1%3,510
Neither/both equally34%34%32%< 1%269
Don't know39%29%26%5%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good51%16%7%26%1%2,591
Does more good than harm45%16%7%31%1%3,510
Neither/both equally55%14%5%24%2%269
Don't know55%13%3%23%5%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good17%7%8%67%1%2,591
Does more good than harm17%7%7%67%1%3,510
Neither/both equally24%7%8%60%1%269
Don't know22%4%7%65%3%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good35%8%5%51%1%2,591
Does more good than harm38%10%5%46%1%3,510
Neither/both equally41%10%6%40%4%269
Don't know39%3%3%43%11%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good52%16%11%19%1%2,591
Does more good than harm52%16%10%21%1%3,510
Neither/both equally61%13%10%13%3%269
Don't know51%18%7%17%8%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good40%17%12%29%2%2,591
Does more good than harm48%16%14%21%1%3,510
Neither/both equally50%14%13%19%3%269
Don't know48%12%11%25%3%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good28%9%53%9%2%2,591
Does more good than harm23%15%48%12%2%3,510
Neither/both equally28%10%46%5%10%269
Don't know31%5%34%11%19%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good39%59%1%1%2,591
Does more good than harm21%76%1%1%3,510
Neither/both equally27%64%7%2%269
Don't know24%66%1%9%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good27%8%7%57%1%2,591
Does more good than harm25%9%10%56%1%3,510
Neither/both equally31%9%9%50%2%269
Don't know27%9%7%52%5%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good26%31%2%36%6%2,591
Does more good than harm21%22%2%48%7%3,510
Neither/both equally23%20%5%32%19%269
Don't know33%12%10%24%21%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good73%19%8%2,591
Does more good than harm62%31%7%3,510
Neither/both equally60%26%14%269
Don't know72%14%14%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good57%35%9%2,591
Does more good than harm44%48%9%3,510
Neither/both equally51%37%12%269
Don't know51%28%20%146
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good51%18%31%2,591
Does more good than harm16%17%68%3,510
Neither/both equally31%28%41%269
Don't know36%30%34%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good45%34%15%6%2,591
Does more good than harm19%35%40%6%3,510
Neither/both equally33%36%21%9%269
Don't know24%34%17%25%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good68%29%1%2%2,591
Does more good than harm32%61%3%4%3,510
Neither/both equally45%26%17%12%269
Don't know33%33%8%26%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good53%43%4%2,591
Does more good than harm71%26%4%3,510
Neither/both equally53%38%10%269
Don't know33%44%23%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good64%30%4%3%2,591
Does more good than harm78%17%2%3%3,510
Neither/both equally59%22%12%7%269
Don't know43%30%7%20%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good52%41%8%2,591
Does more good than harm72%22%6%3,510
Neither/both equally53%30%18%269
Don't know33%37%30%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good48%48%2%2%2,591
Does more good than harm22%74%1%3%3,510
Neither/both equally27%56%9%8%269
Don't know22%46%5%26%146
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 adults in the Northeast by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Northeast who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good32%25%4%35%3%2,591
Does more good than harm46%22%4%25%3%3,510
Neither/both equally29%23%11%28%8%269
Don't know25%15%6%25%29%146
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.