The Internet and the Recession
Some 69% of Americans have used the internet to cope with the recession as they hunt for bargains, jobs, ways to upgrade their skills, better investment strategies, housing options, and government benefits.
88% of online Americans have used the internet in the past year for help in coping with the recession and understanding it
Top recession-related searches focus on consumer bargains, new jobs, skills upgrading, chances to earn extra cash, and general news about the economy
Pollwatch: Comparing the Polls on Spending and the Deficit
How the question is phrased has a clear impact on whether the public rates deficit reduction or stimulus spending more important.
Public More Optimistic About the Economy, But Still Reluctant to Spend
Overview The public is increasingly optimistic that the nation’s economy will improve in the next year, while a growing number also expect their personal finances to get better. But this has not caused people to open their wallets: The proportion saying they have cut back on personal spending remains as high as it was earlier […]
Obama’s Ratings Remain High Despite Some Policy Concerns
Overview A solid majority of Americans (61%) continue to approve of Barack Obama’s job performance, although they express mixed views of several of his policies. An important positive sign for Obama is the public’s continued optimism that his policies will improve the economy – fully 65% express this view. A smaller majority (55%) is optimistic […]
Cockeyed Optimists or Self-Fulfilling Prophets?
Even while their personal worries have deepened, Americans have been feeling more upbeat about the national economy's prospects and less concerned about rising inequality. What underlies this trend and can it be sustained?
Bar Tab Recession
Four-in-ten young adults say they have cut back spending on alcohol or cigarettes as a result of the recession.
Gen Next Squeezed By Recession, But Most See Better Times Ahead
While the economic downturn is falling quite heavily on younger Americans, their overall outlook remains optimistic. A new survey also finds Generation Next expressing more liberal views when compared with older age cohorts as well as evidence of increased political engagement.
Most Middle-Aged Adults Are Rethinking Retirement Plans
In the midst of a recession that has taken a heavy toll on many nest eggs, just over half of all working adults ages 50 to 64 say they may delay their retirement -- and another 16% say they never expect to stop working.
Independents Take Center Stage in Obama Era
Overview Centrism has emerged as a dominant factor in public opinion as the Obama era begins. The political values and core attitudes that the Pew Research Center has monitored since 1987 show little overall ideological movement. Republicans and Democrats are even more divided than in the past, while the growing political middle is steadfastly mixed […]
