Poverty, Government Response - Measurement Concept

Attitudes about how the government handles the poor/poverty
66 Questions match selected parameters.

Survey Questions

NATFAREY from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
We are faced with many problems in this country, none of which can be solved easily or inexpensively. I'm going to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money or about the right amount. K. Assistance to the poor EQWLTH from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
Some people think that the government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and the poor, perhaps by raising the taxes of wealthy families or by giving income assistance to the poor. Others think that the government should not concern itself with reducing this income difference between the rich and the poor. Here is a card with a scale from 1 to 7. Think of a score of 1 as meaning that the government ought to reduce the income differences between rich and poor, and a score of 7 meaning that the government should not concern itself with reducing income differences. What score between 1 and 7 comes closest to the way you feel? HELPPOOR from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
I'd like to talk with you about issues some people tell us are important. Some people think that the government in Washington should do everything possible to improve the standard of living of all poor Americans; they are at point 1 on this card. Other people think it's not the government's responsibility, and that each person should take care of himself; they are at point 5. Where would you place yourself on this scale or haven't you made up your mind on this? VCF0886 from American National Election Studies, Cumulative Data File, 1948-2004
Should federal spending on [ITEM] be increased, decreased or kept about the same? – aid to poor people (see ARDA summary page for previous question wordings) MONEYHTH from American Catholic Laity Poll, 1999
Following are some questions about social and political issues. Please tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with more government money to provide health care for poor children? GOVXFR from Faith Matters Survey, 2006
5-2. Some people think that the government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and poor. Others think that the government should not concern itself with reducing this income difference. Which comes closer to your views? HELPPOOR from General Social Survey 2010 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
I'd like to talk with you about issues some people tell us are important. Some people think that the government in Washington should do everything possible to improve the standard of living of all poor Americans; they are at point 1 on this card. Other people think it's not the government's responsibility, and that each person should take care of himself; they are at point 5. Where would you place yourself on this scale, or haven't you made up your mind on this? NATFAREY from General Social Survey 2010 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
We are faced with many problems in this country, none of which can be solved easily or inexpensively. I'm going to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money, or about the right amount. K. Assistance to the poor EQWLTH from General Social Survey 2010 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
Some people think that the government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and the poor, perhaps by raising the taxes of wealthy families or by giving income assistance to the poor. Others think that the government should not concern itself with reducing this income difference between the rich and the poor. Here is a card with a scale from 1 to 7. Think of a score of 1 as meaning that the government ought to reduce the income differences between rich and poor, and a score of 7 meaning that the government should not concern itself with reducing income differences. What score between 1 and 7 comes closest to the way you feel? GOVLESS from General Social Survey 2010 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
Do you agree or disagree? E. The government should spend less on benefits for the poor. NATFAREY from General Social Survey, 2004
Spending on assistance to the poor EQUALIZE from General Social Survey, 2006
On the whole, do you think it should or should not be the government's responsibility to . . . G. Reduce income differences between the rich and poor. EQUALIZE from Houston Area Survey, 1982-2010
For/Against: What about requiring richer public schools to give money to poorer schools? (94, 02, 07) LESSDIFF from Houston Area Survey, 1982-2010
Agree/Disagree: Government should take action to reduce income differences between rich and poor in America. (82, 88, 90, 92, 96, 99, 10) POVERTY from Houston Area Survey, 1982-2010
As a national program, do you think we're now spending too little, too much, or about the right amount of money on improving the conditions of the poor? (82-10) EQWLTH from General Social Survey 2008 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
Some people think that the government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and the poor, perhaps by raising the taxes of wealthy families or by giving income assistance to the poor. Others think that the government should not concern itself with reducing this income difference between the rich and the poor. Here is a card with a scale from 1 to 7. Think of a score of 1 as meaning that the government ought to reduce the income differences between rich and poor, and a score of 7 meaning that the government should not concern itself with reducing income differences. What score between 1 and 7 comes closest to the way you feel? HELPPOOR from General Social Survey 2008 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
I'd like to talk with you about issues some people tell us are important. Some people think that the government in Washington should do everything possible to improve the standard of living of all poor Americans; they are at point 1 on this card. Other people think it's not the government's responsibility, and that each person should take care of himself; they are at point 5. Where would you place yourself on this scale, or haven't you made up your mind on this? NATFAREY from General Social Survey 2008 Cross-Section and Panel Combined
We are faced with many problems in this country, none of which can be solved easily or inexpensively. I'm going to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money, or about the right amount. K. Assistance to the poor GOVRHPR from International Social Survey Program, Religion II, 1998
On the whole, do you think it should or should not be the government's responsibility to reduce income differences between the rich and poor? HELPPOOR from General Social Survey, 2004
Place self on scale: 1) I strongly agree the government should improve living standards; To 5) I strongly agree that people should take care of themselves. EQWLTH from General Social Survey, 2000
Respondents asked to place themselves on a scale: From 1) Government should do something to reduce income differences between rich and poor; to 7) Government should not concern itself with income differences. OPPOOR from Religion and Public Life Survey, 2002
I'd like to read you a list of some programs and proposals that are being discussed in this country today. For each one, please tell me whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose it. The first one is: providing more generous government assistance to the poor. AGTAXCUT from Religion and Public Life Survey, 2002
Please tell me if you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree with the following statement: The government should help more needy people, even if it means holding back on future tax cuts. AGGOVPRG from Religion and Public Life Survey, 2002
Please tell me if you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree with the following statement: The government should help more needy people, even if it means cuts in other programs. HELPPOOR from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined - Instructional Dataset
I'd like to talk with you about issues some people tell us are important. Some people think that the government in Washington should do everything possible to improve the standard of living of all poor Americans; they are at point 1 on this card. Other people think it's not the government's responsibility, and that each person should take care of himself; they are at point 5. Where would you place yourself on this scale or haven't you made up your mind on this? NATFAREY from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined - Instructional Dataset
We are faced with many problems in this country, none of which can be solved easily or inexpensively. I'm going to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money or about the right amount. K. Assistance to the poor EQWLTH from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined, (Inapplicable Responses Coded as Missing)
Some people think that the government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and the poor, perhaps by raising the taxes of wealthy families or by giving income assistance to the poor. Others think that the government should not concern itself with reducing this income difference between the rich and the poor. Here is a card with a scale from 1 to 7. Think of a score of 1 as meaning that the government ought to reduce the income differences between rich and poor, and a score of 7 meaning that the government should not concern itself with reducing income differences. What score between 1 and 7 comes closest to the way you feel? HELPPOOR from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined, (Inapplicable Responses Coded as Missing)
I'd like to talk with you about issues some people tell us are important. Some people think that the government in Washington should do everything possible to improve the standard of living of all poor Americans; they are at point 1 on this card. Other people think it's not the government's responsibility, and that each person should take care of himself; they are at point 5. Where would you place yourself on this scale or haven't you made up your mind on this? NATFAREY from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined, (Inapplicable Responses Coded as Missing)
We are faced with many problems in this country, none of which can be solved easily or inexpensively. I'm going to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money or about the right amount. K. Assistance to the poor EQWLTH from General Social Survey 2012 Cross-Section and Panel Combined - Instructional Dataset
Some people think that the government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and the poor, perhaps by raising the taxes of wealthy families or by giving income assistance to the poor. Others think that the government should not concern itself with reducing this income difference between the rich and the poor. Here is a card with a scale from 1 to 7. Think of a score of 1 as meaning that the government ought to reduce the income differences between rich and poor, and a score of 7 meaning that the government should not concern itself with reducing income differences. What score between 1 and 7 comes closest to the way you feel? NATFAREY from General Social Survey 2010 Cross-Section and Panel Combined, (Inapplicable Responses Coded as Missing)
We are faced with many problems in this country, none of which can be solved easily or inexpensively. I'm going to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money, or about the right amount. K. Assistance to the poor ISSPOOR from Religion and Public Life Survey, 2005
I'd like to get your views on some issues that are being discussed in this country today. All in all, do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose providing more generous government assistance to the poor? [Answered only if FORM = 2.] EQUALIZE from General Social Survey, 1996
On the whole, do you think it should or should not be the government's responsibility to: G. Reduce income differences between the rich and poor. EQUALIZE from General Social Survey, 1990
On the whole, do you think it should or should not be the government's responsibility to: Reduce income differences between the rich and poor. EQWLTH from General Social Survey 2010 Cross-Section and Panel Combined, (Inapplicable Responses Coded as Missing)
Some people think that the government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and the poor, perhaps by raising the taxes of wealthy families or by giving income assistance to the poor. Others think that the government should not concern itself with reducing this income difference between the rich and the poor. Here is a card with a scale from 1 to 7. Think of a score of 1 as meaning that the government ought to reduce the income differences between rich and poor, and a score of 7 meaning that the government should not concern itself with reducing income differences. What score between 1 and 7 comes closest to the way you feel? HELPPOOR from General Social Survey 2010 Cross-Section and Panel Combined, (Inapplicable Responses Coded as Missing)
I'd like to talk with you about issues some people tell us are important. Some people think that the government in Washington should do everything possible to improve the standard of living of all poor Americans; they are at point 1 on this card. Other people think it's not the government's responsibility, and that each person should take care of himself; they are at point 5. Where would you place yourself on this scale, or haven't you made up your mind on this? EQUALIZE from General Social Survey, 1991
On the whole, do you think it should or should not be the government's responsibility to . . . Reduce income differences between the rich and poor. FED_SP13 from American National Election Studies, 2002
Next I am going to read you a list of federal programs. For each one, I would like you to tell me whether you would like to see spending increased or decreased: -- AID TO THE WORKING POOR FED_SP14 from American National Election Studies, 2002
Next I am going to read you a list of federal programs. For each one, I would like you to tell me whether you would like to see spending increased or decreased: -- FOREIGN AID L5POOR from State of Disunion Survey, 1996
Since our founding, different levels of our government have had different responsibilities. For each of the following, I want you to tell me whether you think it should be mainly the responsibility of the federal government in Washington, the state government in [respondent's state], your local government, or private organizations. Or do you think it should be mainly left up to individuals? E. Helping the poor and unemployed P10WELFR from State of Disunion Survey, 1996
I'm going to read you some proposals that are now being discussed nationally. As I read each one, please select the number that best expresses how much you favor or oppose it. If you don't really care about the issue, please say so. J. Reducing welfare payments to persons living in poverty HELPMONY from Economic Values Survey, 1992
To help the needy in our society, do you think each of the following would help a lot, help a little, or not help? -- spending more money on government social welfare services EQUALIZE from General Social Survey, 1998
Government responsibility: Reduce income differences between the rich and poor. AIDPOOR from American National Election Studies, 2004
Should federal spending on AID TO POOR PEOPLE be INCREASED, DECREASED, or kept ABOUT THE SAME? POLISS5 from God and Society in North America, 1996
Next, I would like to read you some statements that people have made about some political issues. As I read each statement, please tell me whether you agree or disagree, moderately or strongly. -- The government should spend more to fight hunger and poverty even if it means higher taxes. PASOCISS from The 2000 American Rabbi Study
Please tell us whether you agree or disagree with the following statement about public affairs: The federal government should do more to solve problems such as poverty, unemployment, and poor housing. FAVASTPR from Religion and Public Life Survey, 2001
Now I am going to read you a list of some programs and proposals that are being discussed in this country today. For each one, please tell me whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose it. The next one is: providing more generous government assistance to the poor. ASSIST from Religion and Public Life Survey, 2010
All in all do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose providing more generous government assistance to the poor? GOVRESP7 from Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, 1998 - Religious Observance Module
On the whole, do you think it should or should not be the government's responsibility to reduce income differences between the rich and poor? DTHELPND from Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes, 1987-2009
The government should help more needy people even if it means going deeper in debt. (Q10F) AIDPOOR from American National Election Studies, 2000
What about aid to poor people? (Should federal spending on aid to poor people be increased, decreased, or kept about the same?) GOVACT_C from ELCA-Episcopal Church Clergy Study, 1998
Please indicate how strongly a majority of your church agrees or disagrees with the following statement: The federal government should do more to solve social problems such as unemployment and poverty. (Q16ACHURCH) GOVACT_U from ELCA-Episcopal Church Clergy Study, 1998
Please indicate how strongly YOU agree or disagree with the following statement: The federal government should do more to solve social problems such as unemployment and poverty. (Q16AYOU) GOVNEEDY from Religion and Politics Survey Merged Data Set, 1994-1995
Typology D: Helping needy Americans -- 1) Government should do more for the poor . . . 2) Government shouldn't do more for the poor V19AFEDM from ELCA-Episcopal Church Study, 1999-2000
Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements. A. The federal government should do more to solve social problems such as unemployment, poverty, and poor housing. GVHLPNDY from December 2006 Values Update Survey
For each statement, please tell me if you completely agree with it, mostly agree with it, mostly disagree with it, or completely disagree with it. The government should help most needy people even if it means going deeper in debt. POGVDEP from December 2006 Values Update Survey
For each statement, please tell me if you completely agree with it, mostly agree with it, mostly disagree with it, or completely disagree with it. Poor people have become too dependent on government assistance programs. POORDEP from December 2006 Values Update Survey
For each statement, please tell me if you completely agree with it, mostly agree with it, mostly disagree with it, or completely disagree with it. Poor people have become too dependent on government assistance programs. HOMELESS from Gallup Poll of Catholics, 1992
Here are a series of statements about issues facing the United States. For each, please tell me whether you agree strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat or disagree strongly. -- Public spending to end poverty and homelessness in the United States is more important than military spending. HLPNEEDY from Religion and Politics Survey, 1996
I am going to read you some pairs of statements that will help us understand how you feel about a number of things. As I read each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement (The government should do more to help needy Americans, even if it means going deeper into debt) or the SECOND statement (The government today can't afford to do much more to help the needy) comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right. HOMELFR from Southern Focus Poll, South Survey, Fall 1992
How fair is it to spend government money on housing the homeless? Is it: HOMELFR from Southern Focus Poll, Non-South Survey, Fall 1992
How fair is it to spend government money on housing the homeless? Is it: EQWLTH from General Social Survey, 1993
Some people think that the government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and the poor, perhaps by raising the taxes of wealthy families or by giving income assistance to the poor. Others think that the government should not concern itself with reducing this income difference between the rich and the poor. Here is a card with a scale from 1 to 7. Think of a score of 1 as meaning that the government ought to reduce the income differences between rich and poor, and a score of 7 meaning that the government should not concern itself with reducing income differences. What score between 1 and 7 comes closest to the way you feel? UNEMPLOY from Mennonite Church Member Profile, 1989
The government should guarantee a minimum annual income for all individuals and families who are unemployed or who receive incomes below the poverty line. EQWLTHY from Middletown Area Study, 1982
Please indicate whether you strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, are uncertain, somewhat agree, or strongly agree. -- The government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and poor. EQWLTHY from Middletown Area Study, 1984
For the next set of issues, I would like you to indicate your position by telling me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. -- The government in Washington ought to reduce the income differences between the rich and poor.