Views about size of government among adults who seldom or never meditate

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

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201453%41%2%3%15,172
200742%48%4%5%15,447
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about size of government among adults who seldom or never meditate by religious group

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

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Catholic52%43%2%3%3,119
Evangelical Protestant66%29%3%3%3,202
Historically Black Protestant23%71%1%4%538
Jewish41%53%3%3%487
Mainline Protestant61%33%3%3%2,679
Mormon63%31%2%3%175
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")48%46%3%3%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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who seldom or never meditate by views about size of government

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

Views about size of government18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services22%37%27%14%8,361
Bigger government; more services36%33%21%10%5,634
Depends15%39%28%18%398
Don't know22%30%28%20%510
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about size of governmentYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Smaller government; fewer services14%15%31%32%8%1%8,361
Bigger government; more services23%20%26%25%6%1%5,634
Depends8%16%31%32%13%1%398
Don't know11%15%25%35%13%1%510
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about size of governmentMenWomenSample size
Smaller government; fewer services58%42%8,499
Bigger government; more services43%57%5,732
Depends55%45%409
Don't know44%56%532
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services83%4%3%7%3%8,393
Bigger government; more services58%15%6%17%3%5,684
Depends75%7%4%10%4%402
Don't know75%7%1%11%6%519
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about size of governmentImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Smaller government; fewer services7%10%83%8,426
Bigger government; more services17%12%72%5,633
Depends13%11%77%397
Don't know7%7%86%520
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who have a household income of…

Views about size of governmentLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Smaller government; fewer services21%21%33%25%7,516
Bigger government; more services41%20%22%16%5,076
Depends33%17%31%19%329
Don't know38%21%26%15%398
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Smaller government; fewer services39%33%19%10%8,463
Bigger government; more services46%29%15%10%5,700
Depends38%37%16%10%403
Don't know47%33%14%6%528
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about size of governmentMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services56%6%10%4%23%8,474
Bigger government; more services37%10%12%4%36%5,712
Depends52%6%12%8%22%408
Don't know45%8%16%7%23%528
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about size of governmentParentsNon-parentsSample size
Smaller government; fewer services31%69%8,466
Bigger government; more services31%69%5,715
Depends30%70%408
Don't know25%75%529
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentBelieve 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
Smaller government; fewer services57%22%6%< 1%12%3%8,499
Bigger government; more services50%23%8%1%17%2%5,732
Depends46%20%9%2%16%6%409
Don't know52%19%6%3%12%7%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say religion is…

Views about size of governmentVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services42%30%14%13%< 1%8,499
Bigger government; more services38%30%15%17%< 1%5,732
Depends37%28%16%18%1%409
Don't know37%31%13%16%3%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who attend religious services…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services27%36%37%< 1%8,499
Bigger government; more services20%38%42%< 1%5,732
Depends19%37%44%1%409
Don't know22%29%48%2%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who pray…

Views about size of governmentAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services42%18%7%32%1%8,499
Bigger government; more services38%17%7%38%< 1%5,732
Depends38%16%6%38%2%409
Don't know37%17%7%35%4%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who attend prayer group…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services15%7%7%70%< 1%8,499
Bigger government; more services11%7%7%74%< 1%5,732
Depends9%4%6%80%1%409
Don't know9%4%6%80%1%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services45%16%12%25%1%8,499
Bigger government; more services41%17%12%27%1%5,732
Depends44%15%13%25%4%409
Don't know42%14%11%28%4%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services34%17%16%33%1%8,499
Bigger government; more services33%16%15%34%1%5,732
Depends38%18%13%28%3%409
Don't know33%15%13%38%1%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about size of governmentReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services28%9%54%8%2%8,499
Bigger government; more services21%12%51%14%2%5,732
Depends21%9%53%10%6%409
Don't know20%10%53%9%9%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say…

Views about size of governmentThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services38%60%1%1%8,499
Bigger government; more services22%77%1%1%5,732
Depends26%64%7%2%409
Don't know22%73%3%2%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who read scripture…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services23%9%8%59%< 1%8,499
Bigger government; more services17%10%8%65%< 1%5,732
Depends15%8%9%67%1%409
Don't know17%9%6%66%3%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say the holy scripture is…

Views about size of governmentWord 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
Smaller government; fewer services23%31%2%38%6%8,499
Bigger government; more services25%26%1%42%6%5,732
Depends19%14%3%44%19%409
Don't know21%17%6%36%19%532
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services71%22%7%8,499
Bigger government; more services68%27%6%5,732
Depends54%30%15%409
Don't know62%21%17%532
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services58%34%7%8,499
Bigger government; more services53%41%6%5,732
Depends40%41%18%409
Don't know51%31%17%532
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services57%16%27%8,499
Bigger government; more services18%18%64%5,732
Depends20%30%50%409
Don't know16%33%51%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who are…

Views about size of governmentConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services47%36%13%5%8,499
Bigger government; more services20%34%39%7%5,732
Depends16%39%29%16%409
Don't know18%36%25%22%532
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who seldom or never meditate by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services65%31%3%1%8,499
Bigger government; more services26%70%3%1%5,732
Depends29%50%18%3%409
Don't know29%56%8%8%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say abortion should be…

Views about size of governmentLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services53%44%3%8,499
Bigger government; more services64%33%3%5,732
Depends62%25%13%409
Don't know62%24%14%532
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services61%32%4%3%8,499
Bigger government; more services78%18%2%2%5,732
Depends68%15%10%6%409
Don't know65%19%6%10%532
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services52%41%7%8,499
Bigger government; more services71%24%5%5,732
Depends59%24%17%409
Don't know60%25%15%532
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 size of government

% of adults who seldom or never meditate who say…

Views about size of governmentStricter 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
Smaller government; fewer services49%47%2%2%8,499
Bigger government; more services26%70%1%2%5,732
Depends19%62%10%9%409
Don't know26%55%7%13%532
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 size of government

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

Views about size of governmentEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services35%25%3%33%3%8,499
Bigger government; more services45%23%3%26%3%5,732
Depends41%21%8%22%8%409
Don't know37%20%11%19%13%532
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.