Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201422%75%2%1%303
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: Right or wrong depends on the situation

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who are ages…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation32%39%22%7%208
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation12%29%30%23%6%< 1%208
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation45%55%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation41%43%4%9%3%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation18%8%73%216
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who have a household income of…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation31%16%26%27%196
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who have completed…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation29%20%28%23%218
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation30%10%9%7%44%219
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation20%80%220
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say they…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation48%22%9%1%16%4%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say religion is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation46%19%17%18%< 1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who attend religious services…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation25%31%43%1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who pray…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation45%20%6%28%1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who attend prayer group…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation19%9%7%64%1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who meditate…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation43%6%5%46%< 1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation50%17%15%17%1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation46%14%16%23%1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation22%14%45%14%4%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who read scripture…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation24%13%8%55%< 1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation23%22%1%46%8%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who …in heaven

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation63%30%7%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who …in hell

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation40%51%9%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation10%13%77%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation15%33%43%9%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who would rather have…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation19%76%3%2%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation17%80%2%1%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say abortion should be…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation77%20%3%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say homosexuality…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation77%18%3%3%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who …same-sex marriage

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation72%19%9%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation22%74%1%3%222
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 District of Columbia by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of adults in the District of Columbia who say humans…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Right or wrong depends on the situation50%23%4%19%4%222
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.