Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201439%55%4%2%2,969
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good34%39%18%9%1,071
Does more good than harm34%36%20%10%1,683
Neither/both equally34%32%25%8%110
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good21%22%30%21%5%< 1%1,071
Does more good than harm23%20%27%24%6%< 1%1,683
Neither/both equally26%12%28%28%6%< 1%110
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good62%38%1,083
Does more good than harm50%50%1,707
Neither/both equally63%37%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good72%5%5%14%3%1,067
Does more good than harm72%8%6%10%4%1,684
Neither/both equally69%6%7%15%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.

Immigrant status among Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good13%13%75%1,066
Does more good than harm13%12%75%1,674
Neither/both equally12%13%75%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.

Income distribution among Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good29%21%31%19%974
Does more good than harm31%22%25%22%1,529
Neither/both equally39%27%15%20%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.

Educational distribution among Nothing in particulars (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good42%36%14%8%1,079
Does more good than harm33%32%20%15%1,700
Neither/both equally39%32%18%11%112
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good41%11%10%2%35%1,078
Does more good than harm38%10%11%3%38%1,702
Neither/both equally42%8%10%1%39%113
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good26%74%1,078
Does more good than harm25%75%1,699
Neither/both equally25%75%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good19%25%17%1%32%6%1,083
Does more good than harm17%26%15%< 1%35%7%1,707
Neither/both equally32%11%8%5%31%13%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good< 1%< 1%49%49%1%1,083
Does more good than harm< 1%< 1%48%51%1%1,707
Neither/both equally< 1%< 1%47%46%7%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good1%18%81%< 1%1,083
Does more good than harm1%19%80%< 1%1,707
Neither/both equally2%15%83%< 1%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good9%8%6%76%< 1%1,083
Does more good than harm11%9%8%72%1%1,707
Neither/both equally19%14%7%60%1%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good1%2%2%95%< 1%1,083
Does more good than harm2%1%2%95%< 1%1,707
Neither/both equally2%< 1%8%90%< 1%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good19%9%4%66%2%1,083
Does more good than harm24%11%5%60%1%1,707
Neither/both equally27%6%2%65%1%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good32%14%11%41%2%1,083
Does more good than harm37%16%12%33%2%1,707
Neither/both equally41%15%7%29%7%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good37%15%12%36%1%1,083
Does more good than harm45%16%15%24%< 1%1,707
Neither/both equally47%12%8%28%6%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good3%12%70%13%1%1,083
Does more good than harm2%20%58%18%2%1,707
Neither/both equally6%12%61%18%3%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good24%74%1%1%1,083
Does more good than harm16%83%1%1%1,707
Neither/both equally20%71%6%3%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good4%3%3%90%< 1%1,083
Does more good than harm4%4%4%88%< 1%1,707
Neither/both equally9%1%7%82%1%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good5%9%< 1%78%7%1,083
Does more good than harm4%8%< 1%81%6%1,707
Neither/both equally5%5%3%67%20%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good33%55%12%1,083
Does more good than harm31%59%10%1,707
Neither/both equally24%54%22%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good24%66%11%1,083
Does more good than harm20%72%8%1,707
Neither/both equally23%61%17%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good44%25%31%1,083
Does more good than harm11%21%68%1,707
Neither/both equally22%42%36%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good28%41%21%10%1,083
Does more good than harm10%32%50%8%1,707
Neither/both equally14%41%24%21%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good68%28%2%3%1,083
Does more good than harm35%58%3%4%1,707
Neither/both equally51%24%16%9%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good73%24%3%1,083
Does more good than harm79%17%4%1,707
Neither/both equally60%26%13%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good77%17%4%3%1,083
Does more good than harm89%7%2%2%1,707
Neither/both equally70%14%11%5%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good73%20%7%1,083
Does more good than harm87%9%4%1,707
Neither/both equally68%19%13%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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%55%2%2%1,083
Does more good than harm18%79%1%1%1,707
Neither/both equally23%57%10%10%114
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 (religion not important) by views about government aid to the poor

% of Nothing in particulars (religion not important) 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 good65%14%4%15%3%1,083
Does more good than harm73%11%4%10%2%1,707
Neither/both equally46%12%14%12%17%114
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.