Americans’ views on the morality of married people having an affair
% who say married people having an affair is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 90% | 2% | 7% | 9% | <1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 92% | 2% | 6% | 8% | <1% |
| Protestant | 93% | 2% | 5% | 7% | 0% |
| Catholic | 92% | 1% | 6% | 7% | <1% |
| Jewish | 90% | 3% | 7% | 10% | <1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 87% | 3% | 10% | 13% | 1% |
| Atheist | 84% | 5% | 11% | 16% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 91% | 1% | 8% | 9% | 0% |
| Nothing in particular | 85% | 3% | 10% | 13% | 1% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 94% | 1% | 4% | 6% | 0% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 95% | 1% | 5% | 5% | 0% |
| Black Protestant | 88% | 3% | 10% | 12% | 0% |
| White Catholic | 95% | 1% | 4% | 5% | <1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 89% | <1% | 10% | 10% | <1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 93% | 2% | 5% | 7% | <1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 88% | 3% | 8% | 11% | <1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 89% | 3% | 8% | 10% | <1% |
| Women | 91% | 2% | 6% | 8% | <1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 89% | 4% | 7% | 11% | 0% |
| 30-49 | 90% | 2% | 7% | 10% | <1% |
| 50-64 | 90% | 2% | 7% | 9% | 1% |
| 65+ | 91% | 2% | 7% | 9% | <1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 24-30, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of having an abortion
% who say having an abortion is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 47% | 21% | 31% | 52% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 59% | 16% | 25% | 40% | 1% |
| Protestant | 60% | 16% | 24% | 40% | 1% |
| Catholic | 55% | 17% | 27% | 44% | 1% |
| Jewish | 21% | 44% | 34% | 78% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 23% | 33% | 42% | 76% | 1% |
| Atheist | 11% | 43% | 45% | 89% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 19% | 44% | 36% | 81% | <1% |
| Nothing in particular | 30% | 24% | 44% | 68% | 2% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 78% | 7% | 15% | 22% | <1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 39% | 26% | 34% | 60% | <1% |
| Black Protestant | 47% | 20% | 32% | 52% | 1% |
| White Catholic | 55% | 17% | 27% | 44% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 56% | 17% | 26% | 44% | <1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 71% | 10% | 19% | 29% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 24% | 33% | 42% | 75% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 51% | 21% | 27% | 48% | <1% |
| Women | 44% | 21% | 33% | 54% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 40% | 31% | 28% | 59% | 1% |
| 30-49 | 48% | 20% | 31% | 51% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 51% | 16% | 32% | 48% | 1% |
| 65+ | 49% | 21% | 30% | 51% | <1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 24-30, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of gambling
% who say gambling is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 29% | 20% | 50% | 70% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 33% | 20% | 47% | 67% | 1% |
| Protestant | 35% | 17% | 47% | 64% | 1% |
| Catholic | 25% | 25% | 49% | 74% | 1% |
| Jewish | 25% | 24% | 51% | 75% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 19% | 22% | 59% | 80% | <1% |
| Atheist | 10% | 26% | 64% | 90% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 17% | 26% | 57% | 83% | <1% |
| Nothing in particular | 25% | 18% | 57% | 75% | 1% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 40% | 16% | 42% | 59% | 1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 20% | 22% | 58% | 80% | 0% |
| Black Protestant | 39% | 17% | 44% | 61% | 0% |
| White Catholic | 15% | 27% | 56% | 83% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 35% | 24% | 40% | 65% | <1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 33% | 19% | 47% | 66% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 24% | 23% | 53% | 75% | <1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 29% | 24% | 47% | 71% | <1% |
| Women | 30% | 17% | 53% | 70% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 33% | 20% | 46% | 67% | <1% |
| 30-49 | 29% | 21% | 50% | 71% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 26% | 17% | 56% | 73% | 1% |
| 65+ | 29% | 22% | 48% | 70% | 1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 24-30, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of using contraceptives
% who say using contraceptives is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 8% | 40% | 51% | 91% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 9% | 40% | 50% | 90% | 1% |
| Protestant | 6% | 39% | 53% | 93% | 1% |
| Catholic | 13% | 41% | 45% | 86% | 1% |
| Jewish | 7% | 45% | 47% | 92% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 5% | 40% | 53% | 94% | 1% |
| Atheist | <1% | 44% | 56% | 100% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 1% | 45% | 54% | 99% | 0% |
| Nothing in particular | 10% | 36% | 52% | 89% | 2% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 4% | 42% | 52% | 95% | 1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 1% | 41% | 57% | 98% | 1% |
| Black Protestant | 11% | 38% | 51% | 89% | 0% |
| White Catholic | 11% | 42% | 46% | 89% | <1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 15% | 39% | 44% | 84% | 1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 9% | 39% | 51% | 90% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 7% | 41% | 51% | 92% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 9% | 41% | 49% | 90% | 1% |
| Women | 7% | 39% | 53% | 92% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 13% | 41% | 45% | 85% | 2% |
| 30-49 | 9% | 38% | 52% | 90% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 5% | 38% | 57% | 94% | 1% |
| 65+ | 5% | 44% | 50% | 94% | <1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 24-30, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of viewing pornography
% who say viewing pornography is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 52% | 15% | 32% | 47% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 62% | 11% | 26% | 37% | 1% |
| Protestant | 65% | 10% | 25% | 35% | <1% |
| Catholic | 56% | 13% | 30% | 43% | 1% |
| Jewish | 23% | 27% | 48% | 76% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 28% | 23% | 47% | 70% | 1% |
| Atheist | 11% | 37% | 52% | 89% | 1% |
| Agnostic | 21% | 32% | 47% | 78% | 1% |
| Nothing in particular | 39% | 14% | 45% | 59% | 2% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 80% | 6% | 13% | 19% | 1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 52% | 15% | 32% | 48% | <1% |
| Black Protestant | 51% | 10% | 38% | 48% | <1% |
| White Catholic | 56% | 12% | 31% | 43% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 56% | 13% | 29% | 42% | 2% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 65% | 10% | 24% | 34% | <1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 39% | 20% | 41% | 61% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 47% | 19% | 33% | 53% | 1% |
| Women | 58% | 11% | 31% | 41% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 45% | 21% | 33% | 54% | 1% |
| 30-49 | 45% | 18% | 37% | 55% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 54% | 11% | 34% | 45% | 1% |
| 65+ | 67% | 9% | 24% | 32% | 1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 24-30, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of using marijuana
% who say using marijuana is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 23% | 24% | 52% | 76% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 27% | 22% | 50% | 72% | 1% |
| Protestant | 27% | 22% | 50% | 73% | 1% |
| Catholic | 25% | 23% | 51% | 74% | 1% |
| Jewish | 14% | 31% | 54% | 85% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 11% | 29% | 59% | 88% | 1% |
| Atheist | 2% | 37% | 62% | 98% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 6% | 36% | 58% | 94% | 0% |
| Nothing in particular | 17% | 23% | 58% | 81% | 2% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 33% | 20% | 45% | 65% | 1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 14% | 27% | 59% | 86% | 0% |
| Black Protestant | 25% | 24% | 51% | 75% | 0% |
| White Catholic | 15% | 25% | 58% | 84% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 39% | 19% | 41% | 59% | 1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 30% | 20% | 49% | 69% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 15% | 29% | 55% | 84% | <1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 24% | 27% | 49% | 76% | 1% |
| Women | 23% | 22% | 55% | 76% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 21% | 30% | 49% | 79% | 0% |
| 30-49 | 23% | 25% | 51% | 76% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 22% | 21% | 56% | 77% | 1% |
| 65+ | 25% | 21% | 51% | 73% | 2% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 24-30, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of drinking alcohol
% who say drinking alcohol is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 16% | 29% | 55% | 84% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 17% | 30% | 53% | 83% | 1% |
| Protestant | 17% | 29% | 53% | 82% | <1% |
| Catholic | 12% | 34% | 53% | 87% | 1% |
| Jewish | 8% | 36% | 56% | 92% | 0% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 10% | 29% | 60% | 89% | 1% |
| Atheist | 4% | 35% | 61% | 96% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 6% | 35% | 58% | 93% | 1% |
| Nothing in particular | 15% | 23% | 61% | 84% | 1% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 17% | 30% | 52% | 82% | 1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 8% | 34% | 57% | 92% | 0% |
| Black Protestant | 20% | 26% | 54% | 80% | 0% |
| White Catholic | 3% | 37% | 59% | 96% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 26% | 29% | 45% | 74% | 0% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 17% | 29% | 54% | 83% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 15% | 30% | 55% | 85% | <1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 15% | 33% | 51% | 84% | <1% |
| Women | 16% | 25% | 58% | 83% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 17% | 31% | 51% | 82% | <1% |
| 30-49 | 16% | 29% | 54% | 83% | <1% |
| 50-64 | 15% | 26% | 58% | 84% | 1% |
| 65+ | 14% | 30% | 55% | 85% | 1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 24-30, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of getting a divorce
% who say getting a divorce is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 23% | 31% | 45% | 76% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 29% | 28% | 41% | 70% | 1% |
| Protestant | 31% | 26% | 42% | 68% | 1% |
| Catholic | 25% | 34% | 41% | 74% | 1% |
| Jewish | 3% | 40% | 56% | 97% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 11% | 38% | 51% | 89% | <1% |
| Atheist | 4% | 39% | 57% | 96% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 8% | 48% | 44% | 92% | 0% |
| Nothing in particular | 15% | 33% | 51% | 84% | <1% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 44% | 22% | 32% | 54% | 2% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 15% | 33% | 53% | 85% | 0% |
| Black Protestant | 25% | 27% | 47% | 75% | <1% |
| White Catholic | 22% | 33% | 44% | 78% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 29% | 33% | 37% | 70% | 1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 33% | 25% | 40% | 65% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 13% | 37% | 50% | 87% | <1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 28% | 30% | 41% | 71% | <1% |
| Women | 19% | 32% | 49% | 80% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 28% | 33% | 39% | 72% | <1% |
| 30-49 | 25% | 31% | 43% | 74% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 22% | 30% | 48% | 78% | 1% |
| 65+ | 18% | 31% | 49% | 80% | 2% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted March 24-30, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of homosexuality
% who say homosexuality is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 39% | 23% | 37% | 60% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 51% | 17% | 31% | 48% | 1% |
| Protestant | 59% | 14% | 27% | 40% | 1% |
| Catholic | 34% | 24% | 40% | 64% | 1% |
| Jewish | 23% | 36% | 41% | 77% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 13% | 36% | 49% | 85% | 1% |
| Atheist | 3% | 46% | 51% | 97% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 7% | 45% | 48% | 92% | <1% |
| Nothing in particular | 21% | 28% | 49% | 77% | 2% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 72% | 8% | 19% | 27% | 1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 34% | 27% | 39% | 66% | 1% |
| Black Protestant | 55% | 9% | 33% | 43% | 2% |
| White Catholic | 39% | 24% | 35% | 59% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 26% | 25% | 47% | 72% | 1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 59% | 15% | 25% | 40% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 20% | 31% | 48% | 80% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 43% | 22% | 34% | 56% | 1% |
| Women | 37% | 24% | 38% | 62% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 30% | 37% | 32% | 70% | <1% |
| 30-49 | 37% | 22% | 40% | 62% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 44% | 19% | 35% | 54% | 1% |
| 65+ | 46% | 16% | 36% | 53% | 1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding. The survey sample for this question included 183 interviews with Jews, with an effective sample size of 66 and a 95% confidence level margin of error of plus or minus 12.1 percentage points. This margin of error conservatively assumes a reported percentage of 50%.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 5-11, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of eating meat
% who say eating meat is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 4% | 41% | 54% | 96% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 3% | 42% | 54% | 96% | <1% |
| Protestant | 3% | 44% | 53% | 97% | <1% |
| Catholic | 3% | 40% | 57% | 96% | 1% |
| Jewish | 5% | 54% | 40% | 94% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 4% | 38% | 57% | 95% | 1% |
| Atheist | 8% | 44% | 48% | 92% | <1% |
| Agnostic | 4% | 45% | 52% | 96% | 0% |
| Nothing in particular | 4% | 32% | 64% | 95% | 1% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 1% | 46% | 52% | 99% | <1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 1% | 47% | 51% | 99% | <1% |
| Black Protestant | 7% | 39% | 53% | 92% | 1% |
| White Catholic | 2% | 42% | 56% | 98% | <1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 5% | 36% | 57% | 94% | 1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 2% | 46% | 52% | 98% | <1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 6% | 38% | 56% | 94% | <1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 4% | 47% | 49% | 96% | <1% |
| Women | 3% | 36% | 59% | 96% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 7% | 50% | 43% | 93% | <1% |
| 30-49 | 4% | 42% | 53% | 95% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 2% | 39% | 58% | 97% | 1% |
| 65+ | 2% | 36% | 61% | 97% | 1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 5-11, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of using IVF to get pregnant
% who say using in vitro fertilization (IVF) to get pregnant is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 9% | 42% | 47% | 89% | 2% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 11% | 40% | 47% | 87% | 2% |
| Protestant | 9% | 40% | 49% | 89% | 2% |
| Catholic | 15% | 41% | 42% | 83% | 2% |
| Jewish | 7% | 56% | 37% | 93% | 0% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 4% | 44% | 50% | 95% | 1% |
| Atheist | 2% | 56% | 42% | 98% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 3% | 53% | 44% | 97% | <1% |
| Nothing in particular | 6% | 35% | 57% | 92% | 1% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 10% | 40% | 47% | 87% | 2% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 4% | 51% | 45% | 96% | 1% |
| Black Protestant | 9% | 34% | 55% | 88% | 2% |
| White Catholic | 13% | 47% | 39% | 86% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 20% | 31% | 46% | 78% | 3% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 12% | 40% | 46% | 86% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 6% | 44% | 49% | 93% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 11% | 43% | 45% | 89% | 1% |
| Women | 8% | 40% | 50% | 90% | 2% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 14% | 47% | 39% | 85% | 1% |
| 30-49 | 10% | 40% | 49% | 89% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 7% | 40% | 51% | 91% | 2% |
| 65+ | 7% | 42% | 49% | 91% | 2% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 5-11, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of the death penalty
% who say the death penalty is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 34% | 38% | 26% | 64% | 2% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 32% | 40% | 26% | 67% | 1% |
| Protestant | 29% | 43% | 27% | 70% | 1% |
| Catholic | 38% | 35% | 26% | 60% | 1% |
| Jewish | 42% | 39% | 17% | 56% | 3% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 37% | 35% | 26% | 60% | 2% |
| Atheist | 48% | 33% | 18% | 51% | 1% |
| Agnostic | 47% | 34% | 18% | 52% | 1% |
| Nothing in particular | 29% | 36% | 32% | 68% | 3% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 20% | 56% | 23% | 78% | 2% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 26% | 46% | 27% | 73% | 1% |
| Black Protestant | 46% | 23% | 30% | 53% | <1% |
| White Catholic | 35% | 41% | 22% | 64% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 43% | 25% | 31% | 55% | 1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 20% | 53% | 27% | 80% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 48% | 26% | 25% | 50% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 31% | 44% | 24% | 68% | <1% |
| Women | 36% | 33% | 28% | 61% | 3% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 43% | 35% | 21% | 56% | 1% |
| 30-49 | 36% | 37% | 25% | 63% | 2% |
| 50-64 | 29% | 39% | 29% | 69% | 2% |
| 65+ | 29% | 41% | 28% | 69% | 2% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 5-11, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of spanking children
% who say spanking children is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 23% | 36% | 39% | 75% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 16% | 42% | 40% | 83% | 1% |
| Protestant | 14% | 46% | 39% | 86% | 1% |
| Catholic | 22% | 35% | 43% | 77% | 1% |
| Jewish | 47% | 18% | 35% | 53% | 1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 37% | 25% | 37% | 62% | 1% |
| Atheist | 50% | 22% | 27% | 49% | 1% |
| Agnostic | 44% | 24% | 31% | 55% | 1% |
| Nothing in particular | 28% | 26% | 44% | 70% | 2% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 9% | 54% | 37% | 90% | 1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 21% | 40% | 39% | 78% | 1% |
| Black Protestant | 14% | 46% | 40% | 86% | <1% |
| White Catholic | 22% | 34% | 43% | 77% | 1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 23% | 34% | 42% | 76% | 1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 12% | 48% | 40% | 87% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 35% | 25% | 39% | 64% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 22% | 42% | 36% | 78% | 1% |
| Women | 24% | 31% | 43% | 74% | 2% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 35% | 34% | 30% | 64% | 1% |
| 30-49 | 26% | 35% | 38% | 73% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 16% | 40% | 42% | 83% | 1% |
| 65+ | 18% | 35% | 46% | 81% | 1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 5-11, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of patients choosing to end their lives with the help of a doctor
% who say patients choosing to end their lives with the help of a doctor is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 35% | 34% | 29% | 63% | 2% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 46% | 27% | 26% | 53% | 1% |
| Protestant | 48% | 26% | 25% | 51% | 1% |
| Catholic | 40% | 31% | 27% | 59% | 2% |
| Jewish | 23% | 53% | 23% | 76% | <1% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 12% | 51% | 36% | 87% | 2% |
| Atheist | 5% | 66% | 29% | 95% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 6% | 63% | 30% | 93% | <1% |
| Nothing in particular | 17% | 39% | 41% | 80% | 3% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 60% | 18% | 20% | 38% | 2% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 25% | 46% | 28% | 74% | 1% |
| Black Protestant | 52% | 18% | 30% | 48% | 1% |
| White Catholic | 39% | 36% | 23% | 59% | 2% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 40% | 23% | 35% | 58% | 3% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 48% | 27% | 25% | 51% | 1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 23% | 43% | 33% | 76% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 36% | 36% | 28% | 64% | 1% |
| Women | 35% | 33% | 30% | 62% | 2% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 33% | 40% | 27% | 66% | 1% |
| 30-49 | 33% | 36% | 29% | 66% | 2% |
| 50-64 | 38% | 31% | 29% | 60% | 2% |
| 65+ | 39% | 30% | 29% | 59% | 2% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 5-11, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ views on the morality of being extremely rich
% who say being extremely rich (for example, having billions of dollars) is …
| Morally wrong | Morally acceptable | Not a moral issue | TOTAL Not morally wrong | No answer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. adults | 18% | 18% | 63% | 81% | 1% |
| Religion | |||||
| Christian | 13% | 20% | 67% | 87% | 1% |
| Protestant | 12% | 20% | 68% | 87% | 1% |
| Catholic | 13% | 19% | 67% | 86% | 1% |
| Jewish | 17% | 24% | 59% | 83% | 0% |
| Religiously unaffiliated | 30% | 12% | 57% | 69% | 1% |
| Atheist | 46% | 10% | 45% | 54% | 0% |
| Agnostic | 39% | 13% | 47% | 61% | <1% |
| Nothing in particular | 20% | 13% | 66% | 79% | 1% |
| Religion (detailed) | |||||
| White evangelical Protestant | 8% | 22% | 70% | 91% | 1% |
| White nonevangelical Protestant | 15% | 19% | 66% | 85% | <1% |
| Black Protestant | 14% | 18% | 67% | 85% | 1% |
| White Catholic | 12% | 20% | 68% | 88% | <1% |
| Hispanic Catholic | 17% | 19% | 63% | 82% | 1% |
| Party | |||||
| Rep/lean Rep | 7% | 24% | 68% | 92% | <1% |
| Dem/lean Dem | 29% | 13% | 58% | 70% | 1% |
| Gender | |||||
| Men | 18% | 22% | 60% | 82% | <1% |
| Women | 17% | 15% | 67% | 82% | 1% |
| Age | |||||
| 18-29 | 33% | 19% | 48% | 67% | 1% |
| 30-49 | 20% | 17% | 62% | 79% | 1% |
| 50-64 | 11% | 19% | 69% | 88% | 1% |
| 65+ | 10% | 17% | 73% | 90% | <1% |
Note: Figures may not add to 100% or to subtotals indicated due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 5-11, 2025.
“What Do Americans Consider Immoral?”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
