Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among 18-29 year olds

% of 18-29 year olds who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201423%76%1%1%5,544
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among 18-29 year olds by religious group

% of 18-29 year olds who say…

Religious traditionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic20%79%1%< 1%890
Evangelical Protestant37%60%1%1%1,092
Historically Black Protestant25%73%1%1%298
Jewish15%85%1%< 1%104
Mainline Protestant22%76%1%< 1%586
Mormon60%40%< 1%< 1%114
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")15%84%1%1%2,003
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

DemographicInformation

Generational cohort among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong58%42%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation64%36%< 1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,175
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.

Gender composition among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMenWomenSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong53%47%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation50%50%4,175
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.

Racial and ethnic composition among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong57%14%5%19%5%1,269
Right or wrong depends on the situation55%14%7%20%5%4,145
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.

Immigrant status among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong15%14%71%1,272
Right or wrong depends on the situation15%18%67%4,112
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 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who have a household income of…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong42%20%25%12%1,149
Right or wrong depends on the situation42%22%23%13%3,679
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 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who have completed…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong40%41%14%5%1,279
Right or wrong depends on the situation42%39%15%4%4,170
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 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong23%10%3%< 1%63%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation13%13%3%< 1%71%4,163
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 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong27%73%1,279
Right or wrong depends on the situation20%80%4,166
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 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say they…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieve 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong67%18%5%1%9%1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation45%23%10%< 1%18%3%4,175
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.

Importance of religion in one's life among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say religion is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong58%24%9%9%< 1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation34%30%18%18%< 1%4,175
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.

Attendance at religious services among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who attend religious services…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong42%33%25%< 1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation22%39%39%< 1%4,175
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.

Frequency of prayer among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who pray…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong58%16%5%20%1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation36%18%7%39%< 1%4,175
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.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who attend prayer group…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong29%14%9%48%< 1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation13%10%8%68%< 1%4,175
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.

Frequency of meditation among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who meditate…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong34%9%3%53%1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation27%10%5%57%1%4,175
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.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong63%15%9%12%1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation47%21%11%21%1%4,175
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.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong45%21%12%20%1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation49%19%12%20%1%4,175
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.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong43%12%36%7%2%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation18%17%50%13%2%4,175
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.

Frequency of reading scripture among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who read scripture…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong43%13%6%37%1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation21%12%9%58%< 1%4,175
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.

Interpreting scripture among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWord 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong32%35%2%27%5%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation17%27%1%49%6%4,175
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.

Belief in Heaven among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who …in heaven

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong77%18%5%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation65%29%6%4,175
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.

Belief in Hell among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who …in hell

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong68%27%5%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation52%42%6%4,175
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong46%21%33%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation28%20%52%4,175
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.

Political ideology among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong37%35%20%8%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation22%38%33%7%4,175
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.

Views about size of government among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who would rather have…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong52%45%1%3%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation40%55%2%3%4,175
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.

Views about government aid to the poor among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong50%46%3%1%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation38%57%3%1%4,175
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.

Views about abortion among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say abortion should be…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong42%57%2%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation60%37%3%4,175
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.

Views about homosexuality among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say homosexuality…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong59%35%3%3%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation82%14%2%2%4,175
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.

Views about same-sex marriage among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who …same-sex marriage

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong54%41%5%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation77%20%4%4,175
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.

Views about environmental regulation among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongStricter 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong38%58%1%2%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation31%66%2%2%4,175
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.

Views about human evolution among 18-29 year olds by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of 18-29 year olds who say humans…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong30%26%1%41%2%1,280
Right or wrong depends on the situation48%25%4%21%2%4,175
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.