Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201424%73%2%1%6,966
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among never married adults by religious group

% of never married adults who say…

Religious traditionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic26%71%1%1%1,292
Evangelical Protestant37%60%2%1%1,214
Historically Black Protestant27%71%1%1%600
Jewish14%83%3%< 1%138
Mainline Protestant22%75%2%1%788
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")17%80%1%1%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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among never married adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who are ages…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong52%31%13%4%1,754
Right or wrong depends on the situation65%24%9%2%4,971
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong38%22%23%15%2%< 1%1,754
Right or wrong depends on the situation48%24%16%10%1%< 1%4,971
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongMenWomenSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong58%42%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation54%46%5,016
Neither/both equally70%30%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong56%18%4%17%5%1,757
Right or wrong depends on the situation51%18%7%18%5%4,967
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong14%13%74%1,759
Right or wrong depends on the situation14%17%69%4,923
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who have a household income of…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong44%21%23%12%1,569
Right or wrong depends on the situation44%21%22%12%4,414
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who have completed…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong43%36%14%7%1,773
Right or wrong depends on the situation45%35%14%6%5,005
Neither/both equally41%42%9%8%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong15%85%1,782
Right or wrong depends on the situation13%87%5,011
Neither/both equally13%87%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who say they…

Belief in absolute standards for 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong68%17%5%1%9%1%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation49%22%9%< 1%17%3%5,016
Neither/both equally62%15%2%3%11%7%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who say religion is…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong57%23%10%10%< 1%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation37%28%17%18%1%5,016
Neither/both equally59%14%14%13%1%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who attend religious services…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong39%33%28%1%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation23%38%39%< 1%5,016
Neither/both equally26%31%40%3%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who pray…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong58%15%5%21%1%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation38%18%7%36%1%5,016
Neither/both equally58%13%3%23%4%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who attend prayer group…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong30%11%9%50%< 1%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation15%9%8%67%< 1%5,016
Neither/both equally18%8%5%65%5%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who meditate…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong38%9%3%48%2%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation29%10%5%54%1%5,016
Neither/both equally49%3%2%42%4%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong61%14%9%15%2%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation47%19%11%21%1%5,016
Neither/both equally58%10%7%20%5%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong46%18%12%22%1%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation47%18%12%23%1%5,016
Neither/both equally57%15%11%18%< 1%100
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among never married adults by belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

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

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong42%10%37%8%3%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation20%16%50%13%2%5,016
Neither/both equally26%17%41%3%14%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who read scripture…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong41%12%7%39%1%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation23%11%9%56%< 1%5,016
Neither/both equally41%11%2%45%1%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in absolute standards for 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong33%32%2%26%6%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation21%26%1%46%6%5,016
Neither/both equally28%20%6%28%17%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who …in heaven

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong76%18%6%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation66%28%7%5,016
Neither/both equally61%23%15%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who …in hell

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong66%28%6%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation52%41%7%5,016
Neither/both equally52%29%19%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who identify as…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong41%20%39%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation26%18%56%5,016
Neither/both equally22%39%39%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who are…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong37%33%21%9%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation23%37%33%7%5,016
Neither/both equally27%32%18%23%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who would rather have…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong52%44%2%3%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation40%55%2%3%5,016
Neither/both equally46%20%21%12%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong48%47%3%2%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation36%59%3%2%5,016
Neither/both equally30%45%23%3%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who say abortion should be…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong45%52%3%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation63%34%4%5,016
Neither/both equally45%39%17%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who say homosexuality…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong57%35%4%4%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation77%18%3%2%5,016
Neither/both equally55%25%15%5%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who …same-sex marriage

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong52%41%8%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation71%23%6%5,016
Neither/both equally49%30%21%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who say…

Belief in absolute standards for 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
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong39%57%2%2%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation30%65%2%3%5,016
Neither/both equally28%51%12%9%100
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 belief in existence of standards for right and wrong

% of never married adults who say humans…

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong30%25%2%40%4%1,784
Right or wrong depends on the situation45%24%4%24%2%5,016
Neither/both equally24%14%14%32%16%100
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.