Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201441%53%4%2%4,984
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good33%39%20%8%1,904
Does more good than harm32%37%22%9%2,707
Neither/both equally32%40%21%7%188
Don't know30%35%24%11%104
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good20%21%31%22%5%< 1%1,904
Does more good than harm20%22%28%25%5%< 1%2,707
Neither/both equally19%18%34%25%4%< 1%188
Don't know18%19%28%26%9%< 1%104
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good60%40%1,934
Does more good than harm48%52%2,745
Neither/both equally59%41%194
Don't know57%43%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good67%9%5%15%4%1,898
Does more good than harm62%14%5%14%5%2,701
Neither/both equally62%12%5%17%4%188
Don't know59%13%2%18%7%101
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good14%11%75%1,900
Does more good than harm14%11%74%2,690
Neither/both equally12%11%77%189
Don't know18%8%73%104
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good33%21%29%17%1,707
Does more good than harm41%22%21%16%2,464
Neither/both equally44%20%20%16%168
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good47%34%13%6%1,925
Does more good than harm42%30%17%11%2,736
Neither/both equally45%31%15%9%192
Don't know63%15%14%9%109
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good42%11%12%3%32%1,923
Does more good than harm36%12%12%3%37%2,735
Neither/both equally40%10%13%5%33%193
Don't know28%8%10%8%46%109
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good29%71%1,924
Does more good than harm28%72%2,737
Neither/both equally29%71%193
Don't know24%76%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good38%26%13%1%19%4%1,934
Does more good than harm34%27%12%< 1%21%5%2,745
Neither/both equally46%16%6%3%18%10%194
Don't know48%22%11%2%11%5%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good16%29%27%27%1%1,934
Does more good than harm17%25%28%29%1%2,745
Neither/both equally19%26%26%25%4%194
Don't know26%20%18%23%13%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good5%28%66%< 1%1,934
Does more good than harm5%28%67%< 1%2,745
Neither/both equally9%20%70%1%194
Don't know11%33%53%3%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good23%15%9%53%< 1%1,934
Does more good than harm27%14%8%51%1%2,745
Neither/both equally35%12%6%45%2%194
Don't know42%12%5%33%8%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good6%4%4%86%< 1%1,934
Does more good than harm6%5%4%84%< 1%2,745
Neither/both equally9%2%7%81%1%194
Don't know11%3%6%79%1%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good25%9%4%60%2%1,934
Does more good than harm29%10%4%56%1%2,745
Neither/both equally37%6%3%52%1%194
Don't know41%7%4%38%10%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good39%15%11%33%2%1,934
Does more good than harm43%16%12%28%2%2,745
Neither/both equally51%10%7%26%6%194
Don't know39%20%9%26%6%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good41%15%12%32%< 1%1,934
Does more good than harm45%15%13%26%1%2,745
Neither/both equally46%13%10%25%6%194
Don't know39%20%11%26%3%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good10%12%66%12%1%1,934
Does more good than harm9%17%57%14%3%2,745
Neither/both equally13%16%55%11%5%194
Don't know17%10%49%10%13%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good27%71%1%1%1,934
Does more good than harm19%79%1%1%2,745
Neither/both equally25%64%7%4%194
Don't know14%68%2%17%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good11%6%5%77%< 1%1,934
Does more good than harm12%7%6%74%< 1%2,745
Neither/both equally17%4%5%73%1%194
Don't know18%6%1%70%5%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good13%18%1%61%8%1,934
Does more good than harm13%14%1%64%7%2,745
Neither/both equally14%8%2%52%24%194
Don't know21%7%5%43%24%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good52%38%11%1,934
Does more good than harm48%43%9%2,745
Neither/both equally42%37%21%194
Don't know55%19%26%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good39%51%9%1,934
Does more good than harm34%58%7%2,745
Neither/both equally32%49%20%194
Don't know32%35%33%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good41%26%32%1,934
Does more good than harm14%23%63%2,745
Neither/both equally20%40%39%194
Don't know22%48%30%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good31%38%21%10%1,934
Does more good than harm15%34%43%8%2,745
Neither/both equally18%40%24%18%194
Don't know17%22%29%32%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good65%31%2%3%1,934
Does more good than harm34%59%3%4%2,745
Neither/both equally45%30%17%8%194
Don't know38%31%4%26%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good64%32%4%1,934
Does more good than harm70%26%4%2,745
Neither/both equally55%31%14%194
Don't know46%30%25%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good72%21%4%3%1,934
Does more good than harm83%12%2%3%2,745
Neither/both equally66%14%13%8%194
Don't know63%15%6%16%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good64%27%8%1,934
Does more good than harm79%16%5%2,745
Neither/both equally61%22%17%194
Don't know44%21%34%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good43%53%2%2%1,934
Does more good than harm23%73%2%3%2,745
Neither/both equally21%60%9%10%194
Don't know20%46%7%27%111
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 nothing in particulars by views about government aid to the poor

% of nothing in particulars 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 good51%20%4%22%3%1,934
Does more good than harm57%18%4%19%2%2,745
Neither/both equally34%20%15%16%15%194
Don't know29%20%14%16%21%111
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.