Sources of guidance on right and wrong among second generation immigrants

% of second generation immigrants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201426%14%46%11%2%3,395
200723%12%55%6%3%3,018
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among second generation immigrants by religious group

% of second generation immigrants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic26%11%51%10%2%1,028
Evangelical Protestant59%7%28%4%1%522
Jewish21%12%44%18%5%199
Mainline Protestant28%11%52%6%4%406
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")4%23%53%18%2%845
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion29%29%19%22%856
Philosophy/reason52%23%14%10%473
Common sense37%27%17%19%1,528
Science41%30%14%14%378
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion22%12%25%23%15%3%856
Philosophy/reason42%16%18%16%6%2%473
Common sense27%16%21%21%12%3%1,528
Science32%16%24%17%10%2%378
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion40%60%883
Philosophy/reason54%46%483
Common sense49%51%1,554
Science58%42%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion47%8%6%35%3%869
Philosophy/reason43%6%14%33%4%477
Common sense51%5%8%32%5%1,530
Science46%4%11%35%4%379
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion34%23%26%17%749
Philosophy/reason31%20%26%24%428
Common sense36%20%25%19%1,339
Science35%18%22%26%340
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion36%38%18%9%881
Philosophy/reason28%38%18%17%483
Common sense39%35%17%9%1,550
Science37%26%24%14%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion46%5%12%9%29%879
Philosophy/reason26%9%9%3%51%482
Common sense35%10%10%8%38%1,544
Science32%10%6%5%47%379
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion28%72%879
Philosophy/reason14%86%483
Common sense23%77%1,551
Science22%78%382
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Religion90%8%1%1%1%< 1%883
Philosophy/reason38%25%15%< 1%18%3%483
Common sense49%24%9%1%14%3%1,554
Science26%25%9%< 1%37%3%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion86%11%2%1%1%883
Philosophy/reason24%36%20%20%1%483
Common sense31%36%17%15%1%1,554
Science21%26%20%33%< 1%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion65%23%11%< 1%883
Philosophy/reason15%40%45%1%483
Common sense20%42%38%< 1%1,554
Science16%30%54%< 1%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion81%12%2%4%< 1%883
Philosophy/reason33%20%8%38%1%483
Common sense41%16%8%35%1%1,554
Science25%14%7%54%1%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion44%13%9%35%< 1%883
Philosophy/reason8%9%5%78%1%483
Common sense10%7%6%76%1%1,554
Science7%7%8%78%< 1%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion56%5%2%34%2%883
Philosophy/reason39%13%5%41%1%483
Common sense31%10%6%53%1%1,554
Science22%10%4%63%1%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion76%13%5%6%1%883
Philosophy/reason51%19%8%21%1%483
Common sense45%17%13%23%1%1,554
Science43%13%11%33%1%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion51%14%11%22%2%883
Philosophy/reason59%15%12%14%1%483
Common sense40%17%14%28%1%1,554
Science50%10%12%25%2%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion45%52%1%1%883
Philosophy/reason16%82%1%< 1%483
Common sense22%76%1%1%1,554
Science20%78%1%1%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion62%11%5%21%1%883
Philosophy/reason18%10%9%62%1%483
Common sense16%11%10%63%1%1,554
Science11%7%9%73%< 1%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Religion48%34%4%10%4%883
Philosophy/reason9%19%1%64%7%483
Common sense15%29%1%48%7%1,554
Science13%17%< 1%64%6%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion90%6%4%883
Philosophy/reason50%41%9%483
Common sense65%28%8%1,554
Science45%49%6%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion73%20%7%883
Philosophy/reason34%58%7%483
Common sense46%45%8%1,554
Science35%58%6%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion46%17%37%883
Philosophy/reason23%15%61%483
Common sense30%16%54%1,554
Science18%15%67%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion48%30%17%6%883
Philosophy/reason15%38%46%1%483
Common sense26%38%31%5%1,554
Science17%36%42%5%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion53%41%3%3%883
Philosophy/reason44%51%2%3%483
Common sense50%44%3%3%1,554
Science39%57%2%2%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion49%46%3%1%883
Philosophy/reason27%69%3%1%483
Common sense44%50%4%2%1,554
Science31%65%3%2%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion35%61%3%883
Philosophy/reason75%22%3%483
Common sense70%26%4%1,554
Science72%23%5%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion45%46%5%5%883
Philosophy/reason89%7%2%2%483
Common sense78%15%4%3%1,554
Science84%13%1%3%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion38%52%10%883
Philosophy/reason83%13%4%483
Common sense70%23%8%1,554
Science81%15%4%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion45%50%2%3%883
Philosophy/reason22%75%1%2%483
Common sense35%62%2%2%1,554
Science27%70%2%2%383
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 second generation immigrants by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of second generation immigrants who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion14%28%2%50%6%883
Philosophy/reason58%21%5%14%1%483
Common sense46%24%4%23%3%1,554
Science68%14%2%16%1%383
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.