Americans are split on the main cause of poverty
Core finding
Americans give no single cause of poverty a clear edge, with laziness ranking first at 28%, according to a May 2023 Verasight survey.
One-quarter (25%) instead point to a lack of upward mobility rooted in childhood, while 24% name the breakup of the family unit and 22% blame systemic racism.
Topline distribution
Americans are split on the main cause of poverty.
What is the main reason for poverty?
n = 1,000 · May 16–17, 2023 · MoE ±3.3%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | United States adults |
| Field dates | May 16–17, 2023 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.3% |
| Module | AAPOR 2023 Omnibus Survey #2023-036 |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- verasight-aapor-2023.tiiny.co
What is the main reason for poverty?
Cite this question
AAPOR 2023 Omnibus Survey #2023-036, fielded May 16-17, 2023, N=1,000 United States adults, +/- 3.3%.