Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201438%58%2%2%722
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 Philadelphia metro area by religious group

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic45%51%3%< 1%203
Mainline Protestant33%62%1%4%131
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")37%58%2%3%151
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good25%30%28%17%269
Does more good than harm22%34%26%18%402
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good16%15%25%32%11%1%269
Does more good than harm16%12%29%31%12%1%402
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good50%50%274
Does more good than harm44%56%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good75%14%3%7%1%270
Does more good than harm60%24%3%7%6%401
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good8%13%79%268
Does more good than harm10%10%80%405
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good28%18%30%24%244
Does more good than harm33%19%25%22%358
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good43%25%18%14%273
Does more good than harm37%29%16%17%408
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good48%5%9%5%33%272
Does more good than harm40%6%13%10%32%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good25%75%273
Does more good than harm27%73%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults in the Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Does more harm than good55%19%10%< 1%14%2%274
Does more good than harm58%20%5%< 1%14%3%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good45%24%18%13%< 1%274
Does more good than harm45%26%12%16%< 1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who attend religious services…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good31%32%37%1%274
Does more good than harm32%35%33%< 1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good51%14%4%31%< 1%274
Does more good than harm50%17%6%27%< 1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good17%4%11%69%< 1%274
Does more good than harm22%6%10%62%< 1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good33%4%7%55%< 1%274
Does more good than harm43%8%6%43%< 1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good47%13%17%21%2%274
Does more good than harm59%13%9%18%2%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good34%22%13%30%< 1%274
Does more good than harm47%20%12%20%1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

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

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good25%7%52%15%2%274
Does more good than harm27%15%44%13%1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good45%55%< 1%1%274
Does more good than harm27%72%< 1%< 1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good25%8%5%61%1%274
Does more good than harm31%10%9%50%< 1%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good22%30%1%42%5%274
Does more good than harm21%28%2%42%6%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good68%24%8%274
Does more good than harm65%30%5%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good49%44%7%274
Does more good than harm46%45%10%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults in the Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good47%18%36%274
Does more good than harm15%10%75%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good36%38%20%6%274
Does more good than harm19%36%38%7%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good71%25%2%2%274
Does more good than harm33%61%2%4%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good61%35%4%274
Does more good than harm68%29%3%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good70%23%5%1%274
Does more good than harm78%19%1%2%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good62%30%8%274
Does more good than harm67%27%5%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good41%54%4%2%274
Does more good than harm25%71%2%3%409
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 Philadelphia metro area by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults in the Philadelphia metro area who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good34%26%5%31%4%274
Does more good than harm40%25%3%28%3%409
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.