Religious Beliefs Underpin Opposition to Homosexuality
Introduction and Summary Opposition to gay marriage has increased since the summer and a narrow majority of Americans also oppose allowing gays and lesbians to enter legal agreements that fall short of marriage. Moreover, despite the overall rise in tolerance toward gays since the 1980s, many Americans remain highly critical of homosexuals and religious […]
Views of a Changing World 2003
Introduction and Summary The speed of the war in Iraq and the prevailing belief that the Iraqi people are better off as a result have modestly improved the image of America. But in most countries, opinions of the U.S. are markedly lower than they were a year ago. The war has widened the rift between […]
Public Makes Distinctions on Genetic Research
Introduction and Summary The public draws clear lines in assessing complex issues raised by genetic technologies. Americans are united in opposition to human cloning by more than four-to-one (77%-17%), they reject scientific experimentation in this area. There is far less agreement on the question of stem cell research. Half of those who have been […]
A Year After Columbine Public Looks To Parents More Than Schools To Prevent Violence
Introduction and Summary A year after the massacre at Colorado’s Columbine High School, the vast majority of the public believes it is the responsibility of parents to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated. In fact, a plurality identifies poor parenting — not peer pressure or violence in the media — as the primary cause […]
Technology Triumphs, Morality Falters
Introduction and Summary Americans see the 20th century as a time of great economic, social and technological progress. As individuals, as families, as members of various social and demographic groups, nearly two-thirds of Americans say they have improved their circumstances since the 1950s, and even larger numbers see economic and social gains for many segments […]
Trust and Citizen Engagement in Metropolitan Philadelphia: A Case Study
Introduction and Summary FOREWORD Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in the 1830s that “nothing … deserves more attention” in the fledgling United States than the immense variety and number of civic associations to which Americans belonged. Engagement in these associations appeared to reflect a unique degree of social trust and to promote a connectedness among citizens […]
Mixed Message About Press Freedom on Both Sides of Atlantic
Report Summary In a comparative media survey across eight countries, the publics of North America and Western Europe credit the news media for its positive overall impact on their countries. Large majorities said the press helps their democracies and has a good influence on their societies — usually better than the influence of other institutions, […]
Public Backs Clinton on Gun Control
Report Summary As concern about crime has supplanted the recession as the public’s single greatest worry, Americans express strong support for Bill Clinton’s efforts to control the use of handguns. Most also say they would like to see the President challenge the National Rifle Association, which a growing number of Americans feel has too much […]
American Perspectives: What Do We Look Like? How Do We Feel?
Report Summary At week’s end 66% of the American public said they were following news about the Iraqi invasion and the deployment of American forces to Saudi Arabia very closely. Events in the Middle East now dominate public consciousness to an extraordinary degree. An unparalleled 85% of Times Mirror’s nationwide telephone sample volunteered this, in […]
