A majority of U.S. adults expressed pessimism about the nation’s morals for the first time in polling history, according to a Gallup report published June 9.
More than half (54%) of U.S. adults believe that America has “poor” moral values, and a majority (83%) believe these values are getting worse. Both measures are higher than any previous year.
A third (33%) of the respondents rated moral values as “fair,” down four points from 2022, while 10% rated American values as “good” (down five points), and 1% responded “excellent” (unchanged).
Throughout the years the poll has been conducted, responses have trended negatively. However, this year has been exceptionally negative compared to the trend averages of 43% responding “poor,” 38% “fair” and 18% “good” or “excellent.”
By separating responses by political affiliation, partisan differences arise. Almost three-quarters (74%) of Republicans believe America’s moral values are poor, compared to roughly half (51%) of Independents and 38% of Democrats. This year marks a high in “poor” responses from both Republicans and Independents.
When asked about the outlook for morals in America, Republicans (97%) were most likely to say moral values were getting worse, marking a new high for the party. Democrats (73%) were least likely to state that moral values in America were getting worse, compared to 80% of Independents.
The full report is available here.
Studying Management Information Systems with a minor in Data Science at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, after graduation, Ball plans on pursuing a career in data science. She is a Good Faith Media Ernest C. Hynds Jr. intern for summer 2023.
