Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201428%12%47%10%3%17,514
200725%10%54%7%3%16,291
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 men by religious group

% of men who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Buddhist3%32%39%21%5%138
Catholic26%10%49%12%3%3,426
Evangelical Protestant56%6%32%3%3%4,061
Hindu5%16%48%29%2%136
Historically Black Protestant44%5%43%4%3%818
Jewish14%19%49%15%3%428
Mainline Protestant25%11%55%7%2%2,778
Mormon62%4%26%4%4%347
Muslim35%7%40%13%5%152
Orthodox Christian27%12%52%9%1%106
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")6%18%55%18%2%4,471
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion17%35%30%18%4,905
Philosophy/reason34%35%20%11%2,166
Common sense23%35%26%16%7,754
Science29%36%21%14%1,891
Don't know22%32%26%20%506
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion11%12%29%36%11%1%4,905
Philosophy/reason23%19%27%24%7%1%2,166
Common sense14%16%28%31%10%1%7,754
Science19%18%28%25%9%1%1,891
Don't know13%15%26%30%15%1%506
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion64%14%2%16%3%4,909
Philosophy/reason68%7%6%16%4%2,160
Common sense69%10%4%12%4%7,758
Science60%7%8%21%3%1,889
Don't know67%10%3%15%5%491
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion15%8%77%4,932
Philosophy/reason13%14%73%2,165
Common sense12%10%78%7,790
Science26%13%61%1,895
Don't know16%9%75%516
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion33%21%28%18%4,430
Philosophy/reason26%19%28%27%2,000
Common sense29%21%29%21%7,050
Science30%18%26%26%1,727
Don't know32%23%26%19%402
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion46%30%15%10%4,961
Philosophy/reason31%31%22%16%2,181
Common sense45%31%15%9%7,840
Science35%25%22%17%1,906
Don't know34%37%18%11%525
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion58%4%12%4%22%4,971
Philosophy/reason40%9%12%2%37%2,183
Common sense47%9%12%4%28%7,848
Science45%9%9%2%34%1,909
Don't know48%5%12%5%30%518
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion29%71%4,967
Philosophy/reason23%77%2,184
Common sense25%75%7,845
Science24%76%1,913
Don't know24%76%523
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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%10%1%< 1%1%< 1%4,992
Philosophy/reason36%26%11%1%21%4%2,189
Common sense49%25%8%1%13%3%7,881
Science28%25%10%1%32%4%1,921
Don't know64%15%5%4%6%6%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion86%11%1%1%1%4,992
Philosophy/reason25%31%19%23%1%2,189
Common sense33%33%17%16%1%7,881
Science23%27%19%31%1%1,921
Don't know56%21%6%10%7%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion64%25%11%< 1%4,992
Philosophy/reason16%37%46%1%2,189
Common sense19%38%42%< 1%7,881
Science14%33%53%< 1%1,921
Don't know38%30%28%4%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion79%13%3%5%1%4,992
Philosophy/reason29%16%9%45%1%2,189
Common sense35%18%9%37%1%7,881
Science23%15%8%54%1%1,921
Don't know57%16%5%19%4%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion47%13%10%31%< 1%4,992
Philosophy/reason9%8%7%75%1%2,189
Common sense11%7%8%74%< 1%7,881
Science9%5%8%78%1%1,921
Don't know28%9%6%54%4%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion53%7%4%34%2%4,992
Philosophy/reason37%13%6%43%1%2,189
Common sense30%8%5%56%1%7,881
Science27%9%5%57%2%1,921
Don't know48%8%2%34%8%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion75%12%6%6%1%4,992
Philosophy/reason47%18%10%22%1%2,189
Common sense44%17%12%26%2%7,881
Science38%17%12%31%2%1,921
Don't know64%10%6%14%6%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion49%16%11%22%2%4,992
Philosophy/reason56%16%12%15%1%2,189
Common sense41%16%15%28%1%7,881
Science48%16%15%20%1%1,921
Don't know55%9%11%18%7%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion54%43%2%1%4,992
Philosophy/reason25%72%2%1%2,189
Common sense29%69%1%1%7,881
Science24%74%1%1%1,921
Don't know32%52%9%7%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion63%12%6%18%1%4,992
Philosophy/reason17%13%10%60%< 1%2,189
Common sense18%9%10%63%1%7,881
Science11%8%9%72%1%1,921
Don't know39%10%10%38%3%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion54%30%4%7%4%4,992
Philosophy/reason11%19%1%61%8%2,189
Common sense18%26%1%47%8%7,881
Science14%14%1%65%6%1,921
Don't know20%25%11%23%21%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion88%6%6%4,992
Philosophy/reason48%42%9%2,189
Common sense64%28%8%7,881
Science45%49%6%1,921
Don't know65%18%17%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion81%13%6%4,992
Philosophy/reason37%56%7%2,189
Common sense52%40%8%7,881
Science34%59%7%1,921
Don't know53%25%21%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion54%17%29%4,992
Philosophy/reason30%18%52%2,189
Common sense39%19%42%7,881
Science26%20%55%1,921
Don't know33%35%32%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion57%24%14%6%4,992
Philosophy/reason22%39%35%4%2,189
Common sense34%37%23%6%7,881
Science23%37%35%5%1,921
Don't know37%30%16%18%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion63%32%2%2%4,992
Philosophy/reason53%40%4%3%2,189
Common sense60%34%3%3%7,881
Science45%49%3%3%1,921
Don't know48%26%10%16%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion55%39%4%2%4,992
Philosophy/reason36%58%5%1%2,189
Common sense49%45%4%2%7,881
Science37%58%3%2%1,921
Don't know33%40%14%13%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion27%69%4%4,992
Philosophy/reason68%28%3%2,189
Common sense62%34%5%7,881
Science70%26%4%1,921
Don't know39%41%21%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion31%61%5%4%4,992
Philosophy/reason80%15%4%2%2,189
Common sense65%27%4%3%7,881
Science77%18%3%2%1,921
Don't know46%31%11%13%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion24%69%7%4,992
Philosophy/reason74%20%6%2,189
Common sense57%35%9%7,881
Science71%23%5%1,921
Don't know36%40%24%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion52%43%3%3%4,992
Philosophy/reason29%67%3%2%2,189
Common sense41%54%2%2%7,881
Science28%69%1%2%1,921
Don't know33%47%9%11%531
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 men by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of men 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
Religion9%28%2%55%5%4,992
Philosophy/reason56%23%6%13%2%2,189
Common sense42%26%5%24%3%7,881
Science65%14%3%16%2%1,921
Don't know22%20%17%24%19%531
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.