February 18-22, 2015: Pew Research Center – Nationwide poll on economic disparity
“As I read you some pairs of statements please tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right. The economic system in this country unfairly favors powerful interests; or the economic system in this country is generally fair to most Americans.”
protects powerful interests 62%
generally fair to most Americans 33
both/ neither/ don’t know/ refused 4
“Thinking about the federal government۪s economic policies following the recession that began in 2008 Do you think these policies have helped poor people a great deal, a fair amount, not too much, or not at all?”
great deal 10%
fair amount 22
not too much 34
not at all 32
don’t know/ refused 3
“As I read you some pairs of statements please tell me whether the first statement or the second statement comes closer to your own views even if neither is exactly right. Government aid to the poor does more harm than good, by making people too dependent on government assistance; or government aid to the poor does more good than harm, because people can۪t get out of poverty until their basic needs are met.”
does more harm than good 44%
does more good than harm 49
both/ neither/ don’t know/ refused 7
Via Polling the Nations
Universe: Country: United States
Method: telephone: landline and cell phone
Sample Size: 1504