The Guns or Butter Issue: Trends In American Public Opinion, 1935-1976

This paper examines the responses to national opinion surveys taken between 1935 and 1976 on questions related to the federal government\u27s role in providing social welfare programs and recent survey findings on defense spending. The paper\u27s major findings are that: 1) in general, the public supports the basic concept of providing aid to the needy through the government but shows less consistent support when specific spending proposals are mentioned: and 2) as theshareof the federal budget allocated for defense spending has been decreasing, polls have shown an increasing proportion of the public expressing support for greater delcense spending. The paper concludes with observations on the balance between the public\u27s attitudes toward spending for social welfare programs and spending for the military. The central conclusion is that it appears that the American public wants guns and butter , and are likely to want some sort of balance between the two

America\u27s Changing Attitudes Toward Welfare and Welfare Recipients, 1938-1995

This paper examines American national public opinion on welfare, welfare recipients, and the government\u27s role in welfare programs. The data were gathered from published public opinion polls of national samples of adults taken between 1938 and 1995. The findings indicate that public opinion has remained relatively stable over this 57-year period, with the majority of Americans believing that the government has a responsibility to help those in need. At the same time, the majority of those polled believed that the government spends too much on welfare. The findings also show that the public is in favor of reducing income differences between the rich and the poor. During this period, poll data indicate that a growing percentage of Americans believe that laziness and lack of motivation to work are the main causes of poverty. The data indicate that approximately half of all Americans believe that welfare recipients could get along without their welfare benefits. These findings are discussed in light of current political attitudes toward social welfare and recent change and proposed changes in welfare programs

America\u27s Changing Attitudes Toward Welfare and Welfare Recipients, 1938-1995

This paper examines American national public opinion on welfare, welfare recipients, and the government\u27s role in welfare programs. The data were gathered from published public opinion polls of national samples of adults taken between 1938 and 1995. The findings indicate that public opinion has remained relatively stable over this 57-year period, with the majority of Americans believing that the government has a responsibility to help those in need. At the same time, the majority of those polled believed that the government spends too much on welfare. The findings also show that the public is in favor of reducing income differences between the rich and the poor. During this period, poll data indicate that a growing percentage of Americans believe that laziness and lack of motivation to work are the main causes of poverty. The data indicate that approximately half of all Americans believe that welfare recipients could get along without their welfare benefits. These findings are discussed in light of current political attitudes toward social welfare and recent change and proposed changes in welfare programs

Crime Rates and Confidence in the Police: America\u27s Changing Attitudes toward Crime and Police, 1972-1999

This paper examines American national public opinion on crime and the American police force. The data were gathered from published opinion polls of national samples of adults taken from 1972-1999. The findings reveal that Americans have contradictory perceptions regarding crime in their area, crime in our nation, confidence in the police, and the honesty of the nation\u27s police officers. A growing number of respondents report that crime seems to be decreasing; however, a majority of Americans still report that there is more crime in their area than there was a year ago. These are only a few examples of the complexity of American public opinion. Adding to this intricate web of American opinion and attitude is the issue of ethnicity. National polls indicate that most Americans are satisfied with police honesty and ethics. However, when we control for ethnicity, minorities rate the honesty and ethical standards of police officers much lower than do White Americans. Nevertheless, despite the widespread media reports of erosion in trust in the police, a solid majority of Americans consistently express confidence in and support of the police. These findings are discussed in light of the apparent contradiction of the actual crime rates and perceived crime rates

Americans\u27 Attitudes Toward Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide, 1936-2002

Public opinion polls conducted from 1936 to 2002 found that Americans support both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Although public opinion regarding end-oflife decisions appears to have been influenced by the events of the times, Americans have consistently favored the freedom to end one\u27s life when the perceived quality of life has significantly diminished, either by one\u27s own hand or with the assistance of a physician. This paper indicates that existing policy regarding euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide conflicts with the American public\u27s attitudes regarding the matter, as well as examines implications for social workers who serve clients facing end-of-life decisions

End-of-Life Issues in the United States after Terri Schiavo: Implications for Social Work Practice

The very public death of Terri Schiavo in 2005 alerted Americans to what is a growing ethical, medical, and social crisis: the status of end-of-life issues and decisions in the United States. Currently, Oregon is the only state to give terminally ill patients the right to end their lives, with physicians’ help, if they so choose. Public opinion data from 1977 to the present show that Americans support greater rights for individuals facing end-of-life decisions--up to and including physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. This paper considers the status of end-of-life issues in the United States after Terri Schiavo’s death and examines the opportunities for advocacy by social workers who serve clients and families encountering this complex and controversial issue

Attitudes Toward Same-Gender Adoption and Parenting: An Analysis of Surveys from 16 Countries

Globally, little progress has been made toward the legalization of same-gender adoption. Of the nearly 200 United Nations members, only 15 countries with populations of 3 million or more have approved LGBT adoption without restrictions. The objectives of this paper are, first, to provide a brief background of the obstacles confronting same-gender adoption including the role of adoption agencies and parenting issues; second, to discuss the current legal status of the 15 countries which have approved same-gender adoption without restrictions; third, to report on recent public opinion regarding the legalization of same-gender adoption and parenting, drawing from previously published surveys conducted in 16 countries; and, fourth, to explore the implications for social work practice including social advocacy and social policy implementation

Same-Gender Marriage: Implications for Social Work Practitioners

Notably, in 2013, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota became the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th states, respectively, to legalize same-gender marriage. Without legal recognition or social support from the larger society, the majority of same-gender partnerships in the U.S. are denied privileges and rights that are considered basic for heterosexual marriages. This manuscript draws from a national cross section of published survey data from 1996 to 2013 reporting Americans’ attitudes regarding same-gender marriage and civil unions. Social work practitioners have broad opportunity to apply their skills to the critical needs facing same-gender partners. After an overview of the legal status of same-gender marriages and their accompanying social and policy issues, recommendations are provided that include identification of specific needs for premarital counseling of same-gender partners and ensuring sensitivity to the myriad challenges they face

Survivorship and Inheritance Rights for Same-Gender Couples: Relevance to Social Workers

Californians voted in November 2008 to ban the right to same-gender marriage in California. This paper summarizes data on changes in societal attitudes relative to homosexuals, same-gender couples, and their civil rights as reflected in Gallup and Princeton Survey Research Associates International poll data over the years through 2011. These findings report deeply entrenched and enduring divisions in American attitudes toward the rights and status of same-gender couples. Although historically a majority of Americans has consistently opposed same-gender marriage, Americans increasingly recognize the need to extend equality to same-gender couples in the form of employment rights, inheritance rights, Social Security, and health insurance benefits. This article explores existing and proposed policies regarding the rights of same-gender couples. In addition, it examines the implications and opportunities for advocacy by social workers who face the challenge of navigating the legal and personal obstacles that arise when their client’s same-gender relationships are not sanctioned by law