Economy & Work

For many, “socialism” is a word that evokes a weakened work ethic, stifled innovation and excessive reliance on the government. For others, it represents a fairer, more generous society.

Household incomes in the United States have rebounded from their 2012 bottom in the wake of the Great Recession. And for the most part, the typical incomes of households headed by less-educated adults as well as more-educated adults have increased.

Veterans of prime working age generally fare at least as well as non-veterans in the U.S. job market, though there are differences in the work they do.

Balancing work and family duties brings challenges for working parents. Yet many say working is best for them at this point in their life.

Around six-in-ten Democrats support increased spending for scientific research, compared with 40% of Republicans, a gap that has grown over time.

To mark Labor Day, here's what we know about who American workers are, what they do and the U.S. working environment in general.

About one-third of adults under age 30 have student loan debt. In 2016, the amount students owed varied widely, especially by degree attained.

Unfavorable opinion of China in the U.S. is at its highest level in 14 years of polling. Americans also increasingly see China as a threat, and more than half see friction in the current bilateral economic relationship.

Democrats are largely united in backing a $15 an hour federal minimum wage. Republican opinion on this issue is more divided.

Americans continue to have positive views of the nation’s economy, though views are split by party. Most Republicans and half of Democrats rate their personal finances positively.