Sources of guidance on right and wrong among never married adults

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

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201425%14%46%12%2%6,966
200724%13%54%7%3%4,995
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 never married adults by religious group

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

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic24%13%48%13%3%1,292
Evangelical Protestant53%9%32%4%2%1,214
Historically Black Protestant45%7%42%5%2%600
Jewish12%17%57%14%< 1%138
Mainline Protestant26%12%53%8%1%788
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%20%54%18%2%2,289
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion54%28%14%4%1,766
Philosophy/reason72%20%6%2%1,015
Common sense60%27%10%2%3,140
Science67%25%7%2%789
Don't know47%35%15%3%176
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion41%20%20%16%2%< 1%1,766
Philosophy/reason55%24%12%7%1%< 1%1,015
Common sense44%24%19%11%1%< 1%3,140
Science49%26%17%8%1%< 1%789
Don't know33%23%26%16%2%< 1%176
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion49%51%1,794
Philosophy/reason59%41%1,024
Common sense56%44%3,172
Science60%40%794
Don't know68%32%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion46%28%3%18%5%1,771
Philosophy/reason55%13%9%18%5%1,007
Common sense55%17%5%18%5%3,147
Science54%10%10%21%5%786
Don't know54%17%3%19%6%170
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion14%12%74%1,759
Philosophy/reason15%21%64%1,012
Common sense12%15%72%3,114
Science22%18%59%781
Don't know15%11%74%177
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion50%21%20%9%1,554
Philosophy/reason41%21%22%16%905
Common sense43%22%22%13%2,796
Science43%21%22%14%715
Don't know47%26%22%4%130
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion45%37%12%6%1,785
Philosophy/reason38%37%18%7%1,022
Common sense47%34%13%6%3,163
Science43%32%16%9%791
Don't know33%45%15%7%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion15%85%1,791
Philosophy/reason7%93%1,023
Common sense15%85%3,170
Science11%89%794
Don't know14%86%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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion87%11%1%< 1%1%< 1%1,794
Philosophy/reason35%26%14%< 1%19%5%1,024
Common sense48%24%9%1%16%3%3,172
Science28%23%10%1%35%3%794
Don't know61%18%7%2%7%6%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion83%13%2%1%< 1%1,794
Philosophy/reason23%32%23%22%1%1,024
Common sense30%33%19%18%1%3,172
Science21%27%21%30%< 1%794
Don't know46%25%8%13%8%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion60%29%11%< 1%1,794
Philosophy/reason15%39%45%1%1,024
Common sense18%40%42%< 1%3,172
Science12%35%53%< 1%794
Don't know22%39%31%8%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion77%15%3%5%< 1%1,794
Philosophy/reason28%19%9%43%1%1,024
Common sense34%19%8%38%1%3,172
Science21%14%8%56%< 1%794
Don't know50%16%3%26%5%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion43%14%11%32%< 1%1,794
Philosophy/reason10%8%7%75%< 1%1,024
Common sense10%9%8%73%1%3,172
Science9%7%8%76%< 1%794
Don't know16%9%7%62%6%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion45%10%3%40%2%1,794
Philosophy/reason33%14%5%48%1%1,024
Common sense26%9%5%59%1%3,172
Science24%10%7%59%< 1%794
Don't know44%10%3%39%4%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion72%13%6%7%1%1,794
Philosophy/reason45%21%11%22%1%1,024
Common sense43%20%12%24%1%3,172
Science37%19%13%30%1%794
Don't know61%11%7%14%6%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion45%18%12%23%2%1,794
Philosophy/reason61%17%10%12%< 1%1,024
Common sense43%18%12%25%1%3,172
Science45%17%14%23%1%794
Don't know60%9%8%16%7%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion40%57%2%1%1,794
Philosophy/reason18%80%2%1%1,024
Common sense20%78%1%1%3,172
Science17%82%< 1%1%794
Don't know28%55%9%8%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion61%13%7%19%1%1,794
Philosophy/reason19%11%10%60%1%1,024
Common sense18%11%9%62%< 1%3,172
Science10%10%7%72%1%794
Don't know30%12%8%48%2%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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%36%3%8%5%1,794
Philosophy/reason11%23%< 1%58%8%1,024
Common sense17%26%1%49%6%3,172
Science16%17%1%61%6%794
Don't know16%20%10%32%23%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion90%6%4%1,794
Philosophy/reason53%37%10%1,024
Common sense66%27%7%3,172
Science49%45%6%794
Don't know62%17%21%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion81%15%5%1,794
Philosophy/reason40%51%8%1,024
Common sense51%41%8%3,172
Science40%55%5%794
Don't know48%23%29%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion40%18%41%1,794
Philosophy/reason24%17%59%1,024
Common sense28%19%53%3,172
Science21%19%60%794
Don't know20%42%38%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion42%31%18%9%1,794
Philosophy/reason16%41%39%4%1,024
Common sense22%38%31%9%3,172
Science21%35%40%5%794
Don't know25%28%22%25%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion42%53%2%3%1,794
Philosophy/reason45%49%3%4%1,024
Common sense44%52%2%3%3,172
Science37%59%2%3%794
Don't know42%35%7%16%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion44%51%3%2%1,794
Philosophy/reason31%63%5%2%1,024
Common sense40%55%4%2%3,172
Science33%64%2%2%794
Don't know26%49%12%13%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion33%62%4%1,794
Philosophy/reason70%28%2%1,024
Common sense65%31%4%3,172
Science71%26%3%794
Don't know44%36%20%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion46%45%5%4%1,794
Philosophy/reason88%9%2%1%1,024
Common sense79%16%3%2%3,172
Science84%14%1%2%794
Don't know55%17%10%18%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion37%55%8%1,794
Philosophy/reason84%13%3%1,024
Common sense73%21%6%3,172
Science79%17%4%794
Don't know50%22%28%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion39%55%2%4%1,794
Philosophy/reason24%72%2%2%1,024
Common sense33%62%2%2%3,172
Science28%69%1%2%794
Don't know23%55%8%13%182
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 never married adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of never married adults 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
Religion13%30%2%51%4%1,794
Philosophy/reason57%22%5%15%2%1,024
Common sense46%24%4%22%3%3,172
Science66%14%2%16%2%794
Don't know27%19%21%17%17%182
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.