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
2014
35%
63%
1%
1%
8,366
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 parents by religious group
% of parents who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
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
Catholic
29%
69%
1%
1%
1,761
Evangelical Protestant
52%
46%
1%
1%
2,175
Historically Black Protestant
31%
67%
1%
1%
487
Jewish
26%
72%
1%
1%
184
Mainline Protestant
33%
66%
1%
1%
1,218
Mormon
61%
37%
2%
< 1%
242
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
23%
75%
1%
1%
1,744
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
13%
70%
15%
2%
3,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation
19%
67%
13%
2%
5,088
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
4%
21%
58%
16%
1%
< 1%
3,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation
7%
24%
55%
13%
1%
< 1%
5,088
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Men
Women
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
49%
51%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
41%
59%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
66%
11%
3%
16%
4%
3,013
Right or wrong depends on the situation
56%
14%
5%
22%
4%
5,119
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
16%
7%
76%
3,023
Right or wrong depends on the situation
23%
8%
69%
5,091
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
26%
18%
32%
23%
2,814
Right or wrong depends on the situation
35%
18%
25%
22%
4,791
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
32%
35%
21%
12%
3,049
Right or wrong depends on the situation
39%
31%
18%
13%
5,138
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
74%
6%
10%
1%
9%
3,053
Right or wrong depends on the situation
62%
10%
13%
2%
13%
5,145
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
77%
15%
3%
1%
3%
1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
59%
24%
6%
< 1%
9%
2%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
69%
20%
6%
4%
1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
49%
28%
11%
11%
< 1%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
52%
31%
17%
< 1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
30%
39%
31%
< 1%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
70%
14%
4%
11%
1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
52%
18%
6%
24%
< 1%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
37%
13%
9%
41%
< 1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
21%
11%
9%
59%
< 1%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
40%
7%
3%
47%
2%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
37%
8%
4%
49%
1%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
67%
14%
9%
9%
1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
55%
17%
10%
17%
1%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
43%
19%
13%
24%
1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
42%
16%
14%
26%
1%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
52%
7%
33%
6%
2%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
26%
10%
51%
11%
2%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
52%
11%
8%
29%
< 1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
30%
11%
9%
49%
< 1%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
42%
32%
3%
18%
5%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
27%
27%
2%
36%
8%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
81%
12%
7%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
72%
22%
6%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
72%
21%
6%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
57%
36%
7%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
53%
18%
29%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
29%
22%
49%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
52%
28%
14%
6%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
29%
37%
28%
7%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
63%
31%
2%
3%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
42%
52%
3%
3%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
58%
37%
4%
1%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
40%
55%
4%
2%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
37%
61%
3%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
57%
40%
3%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
47%
46%
4%
3%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
70%
23%
4%
3%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
38%
55%
7%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
62%
31%
7%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
47%
48%
3%
3%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
33%
63%
2%
2%
5,159
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 parents by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong
% of parents who say humans…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong
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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
20%
25%
2%
49%
3%
3,056
Right or wrong depends on the situation
38%
27%
4%
28%
4%
5,159
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.