Views about government aid to the poor among adults who seldom or never meditate

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201447%48%3%2%15,172
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who seldom or never meditate by religious group

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic51%44%3%2%3,119
Evangelical Protestant59%36%3%2%3,202
Historically Black Protestant28%66%4%2%538
Jewish29%66%3%2%487
Mainline Protestant51%43%3%2%2,679
Mormon58%37%4%1%175
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")39%57%3%1%4,330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

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

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good24%38%25%13%6,993
Does more good than harm30%34%24%12%7,163
Neither/both equally26%39%23%13%499
Don't know20%28%29%22%248
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good16%16%31%30%8%< 1%6,993
Does more good than harm20%17%27%28%7%1%7,163
Neither/both equally13%20%32%27%8%1%499
Don't know12%16%20%34%15%3%248
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good55%45%7,109
Does more good than harm48%52%7,291
Neither/both equally52%48%513
Don't know49%51%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good78%5%3%11%3%7,027
Does more good than harm68%12%5%12%4%7,222
Neither/both equally70%10%5%12%3%502
Don't know66%8%5%14%7%247
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good10%10%81%7,031
Does more good than harm13%11%76%7,188
Neither/both equally11%10%78%506
Don't know17%13%70%251
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good23%21%33%23%6,265
Does more good than harm37%20%24%19%6,455
Neither/both equally36%21%26%16%418
Don't know42%16%28%14%181
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good42%33%17%8%7,078
Does more good than harm41%30%17%12%7,253
Neither/both equally39%35%16%10%508
Don't know55%21%16%8%255
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good55%7%10%4%25%7,086
Does more good than harm42%9%12%5%33%7,267
Neither/both equally47%10%10%6%28%511
Don't know48%5%13%10%24%258
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good33%67%7,079
Does more good than harm29%71%7,270
Neither/both equally30%70%511
Don't know22%78%258
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good60%22%6%< 1%9%2%7,109
Does more good than harm48%23%8%1%18%3%7,291
Neither/both equally55%19%5%2%13%6%513
Don't know56%19%7%5%9%4%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good44%31%14%11%< 1%7,109
Does more good than harm36%30%16%19%< 1%7,291
Neither/both equally40%28%16%14%1%513
Don't know49%24%11%12%3%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good27%37%35%< 1%7,109
Does more good than harm20%36%43%< 1%7,291
Neither/both equally26%29%44%1%513
Don't know27%33%38%2%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good44%19%7%30%< 1%7,109
Does more good than harm36%17%7%39%1%7,291
Neither/both equally40%17%6%36%1%513
Don't know48%14%7%28%3%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good16%7%7%70%< 1%7,109
Does more good than harm11%7%7%75%< 1%7,291
Neither/both equally15%8%7%70%1%513
Don't know14%2%8%75%1%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good46%17%12%24%1%7,109
Does more good than harm41%17%13%28%1%7,291
Neither/both equally47%12%14%23%4%513
Don't know45%12%8%31%4%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good32%16%15%37%1%7,109
Does more good than harm35%18%16%30%1%7,291
Neither/both equally31%17%13%37%3%513
Don't know34%12%12%38%4%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good29%8%54%8%1%7,109
Does more good than harm21%13%51%14%2%7,291
Neither/both equally26%9%52%9%6%513
Don't know25%7%48%8%12%259
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good39%59%1%1%7,109
Does more good than harm22%76%1%< 1%7,291
Neither/both equally27%66%5%2%513
Don't know30%60%1%9%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good23%9%8%59%< 1%7,109
Does more good than harm17%10%8%64%< 1%7,291
Neither/both equally23%7%7%62%1%513
Don't know21%8%5%63%2%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good27%32%2%33%6%7,109
Does more good than harm21%25%1%46%7%7,291
Neither/both equally21%21%5%37%17%513
Don't know25%21%9%27%18%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good74%19%7%7,109
Does more good than harm64%30%7%7,291
Neither/both equally66%21%13%513
Don't know71%18%11%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good62%31%7%7,109
Does more good than harm49%44%7%7,291
Neither/both equally55%31%14%513
Don't know55%28%17%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good59%17%25%7,109
Does more good than harm20%17%62%7,291
Neither/both equally33%30%37%513
Don't know31%38%32%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good48%33%13%6%7,109
Does more good than harm20%37%36%6%7,291
Neither/both equally33%35%18%13%513
Don't know25%38%15%23%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good73%23%2%2%7,109
Does more good than harm34%59%3%4%7,291
Neither/both equally49%31%13%8%513
Don't know42%38%4%16%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good50%46%3%7,109
Does more good than harm66%31%3%7,291
Neither/both equally54%36%10%513
Don't know43%43%14%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good60%33%4%3%7,109
Does more good than harm78%18%2%2%7,291
Neither/both equally62%22%11%5%513
Don't know50%24%8%18%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good50%43%7%7,109
Does more good than harm72%23%5%7,291
Neither/both equally57%29%14%513
Don't know46%35%19%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good52%45%2%2%7,109
Does more good than harm26%70%2%2%7,291
Neither/both equally28%56%10%6%513
Don't know32%43%2%23%259
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 who seldom or never meditate by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who seldom or never meditate 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 good33%26%3%35%3%7,109
Does more good than harm47%23%3%25%3%7,291
Neither/both equally29%21%10%29%11%513
Don't know27%19%8%28%20%259
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.