| Survey year | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 42% | 53% | 4% | 2% | 8,498 |
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 West by religious group
% of adults in the West who say government aid to the poor…
| Religious tradition | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 20% | 74% | 4% | 3% | 113 |
| Catholic | 42% | 52% | 4% | 2% | 1,660 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 54% | 40% | 4% | 2% | 1,819 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 20% | 76% | 2% | 2% | 143 |
| Jewish | 24% | 72% | 2% | 2% | 181 |
| Mainline Protestant | 45% | 50% | 3% | 2% | 1,141 |
| Mormon | 66% | 30% | 4% | 1% | 480 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 33% | 62% | 3% | 2% | 2,388 |
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
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among adults in the West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who are ages…
| Views about government aid to the poor | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 20% | 36% | 26% | 18% | 3,553 |
| Does more good than harm | 26% | 35% | 25% | 15% | 4,289 |
| Neither/both equally | 24% | 34% | 25% | 17% | 312 |
| Don't know | 16% | 29% | 28% | 27% | 172 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about government aid to the poor among adults in the West by age group
Generational cohort among adults in the West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who are…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 13% | 14% | 30% | 31% | 12% | 1% | 3,553 |
| Does more good than harm | 16% | 17% | 27% | 30% | 9% | 1% | 4,289 |
| Neither/both equally | 14% | 13% | 32% | 30% | 10% | 1% | 312 |
| Don't know | 3% | 16% | 26% | 30% | 21% | 3% | 172 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who are…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 53% | 47% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 46% | 54% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 54% | 46% | 323 |
| Don't know | 48% | 52% | 182 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about government aid to the poor among adults in the West by gender
Racial and ethnic composition among adults in the West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who identify as…
| Views about government aid to the poor | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 60% | 2% | 8% | 25% | 4% | 3,558 |
| Does more good than harm | 53% | 6% | 10% | 26% | 5% | 4,313 |
| Neither/both equally | 53% | 3% | 10% | 28% | 6% | 310 |
| Don't know | 46% | 6% | 6% | 33% | 10% | 175 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who are…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 21% | 13% | 66% | 3,578 |
| Does more good than harm | 24% | 14% | 61% | 4,313 |
| Neither/both equally | 24% | 14% | 62% | 319 |
| Don't know | 31% | 12% | 57% | 177 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who have a household income of…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 28% | 21% | 29% | 21% | 3,198 |
| Does more good than harm | 38% | 20% | 22% | 20% | 3,873 |
| Neither/both equally | 38% | 22% | 27% | 13% | 270 |
| Don't know | 48% | 21% | 16% | 14% | 130 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who have completed…
| Views about government aid to the poor | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 39% | 36% | 17% | 8% | 3,603 |
| Does more good than harm | 36% | 33% | 18% | 13% | 4,346 |
| Neither/both equally | 40% | 34% | 16% | 10% | 321 |
| Don't know | 51% | 23% | 19% | 8% | 179 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who are…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 54% | 7% | 11% | 5% | 22% | 3,601 |
| Does more good than harm | 43% | 11% | 14% | 5% | 27% | 4,354 |
| Neither/both equally | 43% | 10% | 15% | 4% | 29% | 321 |
| Don't know | 45% | 10% | 13% | 11% | 21% | 180 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who are…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 31% | 69% | 3,602 |
| Does more good than harm | 28% | 72% | 4,356 |
| Neither/both equally | 28% | 72% | 321 |
| Don't know | 24% | 76% | 181 |
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among adults in the West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say they…
| Views about government aid to the poor | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 64% | 21% | 6% | 1% | 7% | 2% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 50% | 22% | 8% | 1% | 16% | 2% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 55% | 21% | 6% | 2% | 9% | 7% | 323 |
| Don't know | 57% | 20% | 7% | 2% | 9% | 5% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say religion is…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 53% | 26% | 11% | 10% | < 1% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 42% | 25% | 15% | 17% | 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 50% | 23% | 14% | 11% | 2% | 323 |
| Don't know | 51% | 19% | 12% | 10% | 8% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who attend religious services…
| Views about government aid to the poor | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 37% | 33% | 30% | < 1% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 27% | 34% | 39% | < 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 37% | 29% | 33% | < 1% | 323 |
| Don't know | 35% | 28% | 35% | 3% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who pray…
| Views about government aid to the poor | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 56% | 15% | 6% | 23% | 1% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 47% | 14% | 6% | 32% | 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 54% | 12% | 6% | 27% | 2% | 323 |
| Don't know | 58% | 11% | 6% | 22% | 3% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who attend prayer group…
| Views about government aid to the poor | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 27% | 10% | 8% | 55% | < 1% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 19% | 8% | 8% | 65% | < 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 26% | 10% | 8% | 54% | 1% | 323 |
| Don't know | 27% | 4% | 10% | 54% | 5% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who meditate…
| Views about government aid to the poor | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 40% | 8% | 4% | 45% | 2% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 40% | 11% | 4% | 43% | 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 47% | 5% | 9% | 38% | 1% | 323 |
| Don't know | 51% | 4% | 3% | 36% | 5% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Views about government aid to the poor | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 60% | 14% | 9% | 15% | 1% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 55% | 16% | 11% | 17% | 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 62% | 11% | 9% | 15% | 3% | 323 |
| Don't know | 61% | 14% | 5% | 19% | 1% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Views about government aid to the poor | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 46% | 15% | 13% | 24% | 1% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 50% | 16% | 14% | 19% | 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 54% | 17% | 9% | 16% | 3% | 323 |
| Don't know | 48% | 18% | 8% | 21% | 5% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Views about government aid to the poor | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 37% | 9% | 44% | 9% | 2% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 25% | 16% | 44% | 13% | 3% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 27% | 14% | 45% | 7% | 8% | 323 |
| Don't know | 28% | 9% | 42% | 8% | 14% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say…
| Views about government aid to the poor | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 42% | 55% | 1% | 2% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 25% | 73% | 1% | 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 28% | 62% | 9% | 1% | 323 |
| Don't know | 25% | 61% | 4% | 10% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who read scripture…
| Views about government aid to the poor | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 37% | 10% | 9% | 44% | 1% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 28% | 9% | 8% | 54% | 1% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 35% | 10% | 6% | 48% | 2% | 323 |
| Don't know | 38% | 9% | 2% | 48% | 3% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say the holy scripture is…
| Views about government aid to the poor | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 30% | 29% | 2% | 30% | 8% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 22% | 23% | 2% | 47% | 6% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 21% | 20% | 3% | 38% | 18% | 323 |
| Don't know | 22% | 16% | 7% | 27% | 29% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who …in heaven
| Views about government aid to the poor | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 73% | 19% | 8% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 59% | 34% | 7% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 63% | 22% | 15% | 323 |
| Don't know | 59% | 20% | 20% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who …in hell
| Views about government aid to the poor | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 60% | 32% | 8% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 43% | 49% | 8% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 43% | 41% | 16% | 323 |
| Don't know | 41% | 33% | 26% | 182 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among adults in the West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who identify as…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 55% | 18% | 26% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 19% | 20% | 61% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 22% | 31% | 47% | 323 |
| Don't know | 27% | 37% | 36% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who are…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 49% | 31% | 15% | 5% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 20% | 36% | 38% | 6% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 30% | 38% | 21% | 12% | 323 |
| Don't know | 24% | 26% | 21% | 29% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who would rather have…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 71% | 25% | 2% | 2% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 34% | 59% | 3% | 3% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 45% | 34% | 15% | 7% | 323 |
| Don't know | 32% | 36% | 7% | 26% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say abortion should be…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 47% | 49% | 4% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 65% | 31% | 3% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 57% | 34% | 10% | 323 |
| Don't know | 39% | 40% | 21% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say homosexuality…
| Views about government aid to the poor | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 57% | 35% | 5% | 4% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 75% | 19% | 3% | 3% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 64% | 19% | 12% | 5% | 323 |
| Don't know | 49% | 25% | 5% | 21% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who …same-sex marriage
| Views about government aid to the poor | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 46% | 46% | 8% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 71% | 24% | 5% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 61% | 28% | 12% | 323 |
| Don't know | 47% | 34% | 20% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say…
| Views about government aid to the poor | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 53% | 41% | 2% | 3% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 23% | 72% | 2% | 3% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 23% | 54% | 15% | 8% | 323 |
| Don't know | 27% | 40% | 4% | 29% | 182 |
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 West by views about government aid to the poor
% of adults in the West who say humans…
| Views about government aid to the poor | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does more harm than good | 30% | 24% | 4% | 38% | 4% | 3,621 |
| Does more good than harm | 46% | 23% | 4% | 24% | 3% | 4,372 |
| Neither/both equally | 30% | 18% | 11% | 30% | 11% | 323 |
| Don't know | 21% | 13% | 13% | 28% | 25% | 182 |
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.
