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 Boston metro area by religious group
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
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Religious tradition
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
28%
37%
24%
11%
154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
12%
26%
54%
7%
153
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Age distribution among adults in the Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are ages…
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Political ideology
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Conservative
13%
28%
38%
21%
102
Moderate
18%
33%
30%
20%
173
Liberal
33%
37%
19%
12%
189
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
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Political ideology
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Conservative
8%
14%
19%
45%
11%
3%
102
Moderate
9%
13%
29%
35%
12%
2%
173
Liberal
22%
18%
29%
21%
7%
2%
189
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
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Political ideology
Men
Women
Sample size
Conservative
58%
42%
109
Moderate
54%
46%
176
Liberal
43%
57%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who identify as…
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Political ideology
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Conservative
70%
10%
1%
14%
5%
104
Moderate
85%
4%
5%
5%
1%
172
Liberal
73%
7%
4%
8%
9%
189
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
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Political ideology
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Conservative
19%
18%
63%
107
Moderate
13%
18%
69%
175
Liberal
16%
14%
69%
191
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who have a household income of…
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Political ideology
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Moderate
20%
14%
33%
33%
149
Liberal
27%
19%
21%
34%
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.
Educational distribution among adults in the Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who have completed…
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Political ideology
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Conservative
40%
29%
19%
12%
108
Moderate
36%
25%
23%
17%
175
Liberal
23%
28%
28%
21%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
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Political ideology
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Conservative
35%
11%
21%
8%
25%
108
Moderate
45%
12%
11%
10%
22%
176
Liberal
36%
12%
8%
5%
39%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who are…
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Political ideology
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Conservative
18%
82%
108
Moderate
25%
75%
176
Liberal
24%
76%
193
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among adults in the Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say they…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
62%
25%
5%
< 1%
5%
2%
109
Moderate
45%
26%
13%
1%
14%
2%
176
Liberal
29%
23%
13%
2%
28%
4%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say religion is…
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Political ideology
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
49%
37%
4%
8%
2%
109
Moderate
36%
30%
20%
12%
1%
176
Liberal
24%
22%
17%
36%
< 1%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who attend religious services…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
37%
27%
37%
< 1%
109
Moderate
21%
40%
40%
< 1%
176
Liberal
22%
25%
53%
< 1%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who pray…
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Political ideology
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
54%
20%
4%
22%
< 1%
109
Moderate
39%
16%
10%
35%
1%
176
Liberal
25%
10%
11%
54%
< 1%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who attend prayer group…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
26%
5%
9%
58%
2%
109
Moderate
7%
9%
5%
78%
< 1%
176
Liberal
10%
2%
4%
82%
2%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who meditate…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
38%
7%
5%
48%
1%
109
Moderate
30%
10%
9%
51%
1%
176
Liberal
27%
11%
6%
56%
< 1%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
63%
15%
8%
14%
< 1%
109
Moderate
45%
20%
12%
20%
2%
176
Liberal
45%
17%
9%
27%
2%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
41%
15%
8%
32%
4%
109
Moderate
46%
17%
16%
20%
1%
176
Liberal
49%
11%
11%
26%
2%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Political ideology
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
32%
6%
48%
11%
3%
109
Moderate
13%
11%
58%
17%
2%
176
Liberal
11%
12%
53%
22%
2%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
37%
57%
6%
< 1%
109
Moderate
37%
62%
< 1%
1%
176
Liberal
12%
86%
2%
< 1%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who read scripture…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
33%
17%
7%
43%
< 1%
109
Moderate
12%
8%
13%
67%
< 1%
176
Liberal
14%
3%
7%
75%
< 1%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say the holy scripture is…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
30%
26%
10%
30%
4%
109
Moderate
9%
27%
3%
52%
9%
176
Liberal
12%
15%
< 1%
68%
6%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …in heaven
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Political ideology
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Conservative
67%
19%
14%
109
Moderate
52%
32%
16%
176
Liberal
35%
53%
12%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …in hell
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Political ideology
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Conservative
52%
36%
12%
109
Moderate
37%
49%
14%
176
Liberal
24%
62%
14%
193
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among adults in the Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who identify as…
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Political ideology
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Conservative
50%
10%
40%
109
Moderate
41%
16%
43%
176
Liberal
7%
12%
81%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who would rather have…
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Political ideology
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
61%
30%
3%
6%
109
Moderate
65%
28%
5%
2%
176
Liberal
23%
69%
3%
5%
193
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 adults in the Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say government aid to the poor…
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Political ideology
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
64%
34%
2%
< 1%
109
Moderate
49%
44%
5%
2%
176
Liberal
13%
85%
< 1%
2%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say abortion should be…
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Political ideology
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
52%
41%
7%
109
Moderate
77%
20%
3%
176
Liberal
88%
9%
3%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say homosexuality…
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Political ideology
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
53%
36%
5%
6%
109
Moderate
79%
11%
3%
7%
176
Liberal
91%
6%
1%
2%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who …same-sex marriage
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Political ideology
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
35%
54%
11%
109
Moderate
74%
19%
7%
176
Liberal
90%
7%
4%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
52%
44%
4%
< 1%
109
Moderate
32%
62%
1%
5%
176
Liberal
14%
81%
2%
3%
193
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 Boston metro area by political ideology
% of adults in the Boston metro area who say humans…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
29%
25%
6%
34%
6%
109
Moderate
47%
21%
5%
24%
3%
176
Liberal
65%
16%
1%
11%
6%
193
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.