8 Evangelicals and economics
This section contains a very large number of data tables drawn from several of the different waves of our survey programme, and commentary is limited. The overall picture is that most evangelicals in the UK are comfortably affluent, prudent in money management, modest in spending, generous in giving and ethically and socially concerned for economic justice and equality.
An more easily printable version in pdf format can be downloaded here https://btcloud.bt.com/web/app/share/invite/3ks0s7I0UT
Are UK evangelicals in any way different from the average citizen in terms of their experience of money, finance and patterns of consumption? In an economy dominated by capitalism, market forces and neo-liberal economic policy is it possible that Christians can be counter-cultural rather than conformed to this word?
One wave of the panel surveys carried out in Autumn 2012 was entitled "Does Money Matter?" and a short popular report with this title was published early in 2013. Further surveys covering employment, poverty and ethical consumption and an omnibus survey including questions about consumer spending added to our data on the subject. In the 21st Century evangelicals book no specific chapter was devoted to economic issues and the recent research literature on such topics appears very sparse and largely concentrating on North America or continental Europe.
This chapter therefore is an attempt to compile everything we have gathered in terms of releant survey data and to reflect on the implications from a sociological perspective. Given the long history of social scientists such as Weber, Marx, Tawney and Halevy making links between religion and economics – and recent initiatives by the Church of England and Archbishop Justin Welby in particular to speak into the financial culture of our times through the Just Finance Foundation etc. the topic seems ripe for study.
Sections (click link to jump there)
References
The evangelical financial ethic: Doubled forms and the search for God in the economic world
First published: 24 May 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/amet.12308
Evangelicals: Linking fervency of faith and generosity of giving
Wesley K. Willmer First published: Spring 1995 https://doi.org/10.1002/pf.41219950709
Findings from our surveys
Income
Three of our surveys asked a direct question about household income or monthly pay.
The tables below are self explanatory and suggest that for the most part our evangelical respondents have a comfortable regular income, and a very small minority seem to face hardship or distress.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||
| Which of these most closely reflects your household annual income? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Under £10,000 | 5.1% | 54 |
| £10-19,999 | 14.9% | 159 |
| £20-29,999 | 21.7% | 231 |
| £30-39,999 | 16.0% | 170 |
| £40-49,999 | 13.5% | 144 |
| £50-59,999 | 8.8% | 94 |
| £60-75,000 | 6.9% | 74 |
| Over £75,000 | 8.8% | 94 |
| Prefer not or unable to say | 4.2% | 45 |
| answered question | 1065 | |
| skipped question | 72 | |
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| What is your own household's monthly disposable income? (Please include take home pay after tax of all earners - plus any benefits, pensions and other unearned income) | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Less than £500 | 6.7% | 96 |
| £501 to £750 | 5.1% | 74 |
| £751 to £1,000 | 7.1% | 102 |
| £1,001 to £1,500 | 14.8% | 213 |
| £1,501 to £2,000 | 18.2% | 261 |
| £2,001 to £3,000 | 23.9% | 344 |
| £3,001 to £5,000 | 18.8% | 270 |
| More than £5,000 | 5.4% | 77 |
| answered question | 1437 | |
| skipped question | 170 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| What is the approximate level of your (personal) take home pay after tax and other deductions each month (from all your current paid employment)? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Less than £300 per month | 4.6% | 61 |
| £301 - £500 | 4.7% | 62 |
| £501 - £1000 | 11.4% | 150 |
| £1,001 - £1,500 | 16.9% | 222 |
| £1,501 - £2,000 | 15.8% | 208 |
| £2,001 - £3,000 | 16.8% | 221 |
| £3001 - £5000 | 5.2% | 68 |
| More than £5,000 | 3.4% | 44 |
| It varies considerably each month | 4.5% | 59 |
| I do not currently work for pay | 16.6% | 218 |
| answered question | 1313 | |
| skipped question | 69 | |
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| In terms of your current level of finances which of the following phrases best applies? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Comfortable with no financial worries | 58.3% | 927 |
| Usually getting by | 30.1% | 479 |
| Often struggling to pay the bills | 5.7% | 90 |
| Wealthy or affluent | 4.5% | 71 |
| Constantly battling with poverty and debt | 1.3% | 21 |
| Destitute | 0.1% | 1 |
| answered question | 1589 | |
| skipped question | 18 | |
In 2012 - about four years after the great financial crisis we asked how incomes had been changing. 39% had experienced some fall in income compared with 30% who had seen an increase.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||
| Comparing your household income today with the way it was three years ago would you say it is: | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Considerably higher | 6.2% | 66 |
| Slightly higher | 23.5% | 252 |
| About the same | 31.3% | 336 |
| Slightly lower | 23.7% | 254 |
| Considerably lower | 15.4% | 165 |
| answered question | 1073 | |
| skipped question | 64 | |
However, 72% felt that their income had fallen behind price rises, suggesting that few are immune from the results of recession.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||
| Looking back over the last two or three years, would you say that your household's income has: | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Fallen much behind prices | 20.6% | 221 |
| Fallen a little behind prices | 51.4% | 551 |
| Kept up with prices | 20.1% | 215 |
| Gone up by more than prices | 6.1% | 65 |
| Gone up by much more than prices | 1.9% | 20 |
| answered question | 1072 | |
| skipped question | 65 | |
Nonetheless our respondents faith and values cause almost 90% to regard their financial situation with contentment, or see it as a blessing.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||
| Thinking about your financial situation today which of the following statements is closest to your feelings? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| I praise God for the wealth and prosperity He's given me | 36.9% | 397 |
| I can say to God I'm content with what I've got | 51.2% | 550 |
| I sometimes ask God for more money | 10.3% | 111 |
| I keep asking God why I am really struggling with money | 1.6% | 17 |
| answered question | 1075 | |
| skipped question | 62 | |
Viewed over a lifetime a majority said they had experienced worse financial situations than the present.
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| At earlier stages of your life have you ever been any of the following? Please tick all that apply | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Significantly worse off than now | 52.4% | 825 |
| Significantly better off than now | 34.6% | 545 |
| Really struggling to pay your way | 24.9% | 392 |
| Needing to rely on means-tested welfare benefits | 12.6% | 198 |
| In serious debt problems | 10.5% | 165 |
| Unable to stay in employment because of illness or disability | 6.2% | 97 |
| Living in poverty | 5.2% | 82 |
| Unable to stay in employment because of caring responsibilities for an adult or sick or disabled child | 1.8% | 29 |
| None of the above | 18.8% | 296 |
|
|
| |
| answered question | 1573 | |
| skipped question | 34 | |
More than half of our respondents received some part of their income from state benefits, though these were mostly in the form of universal benefits such as state pensions or child benefits. Very small proportions were in receipt of means tested benefits.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||
| Does any of your household's income come from any of the following state benefits? Tick all you receive: | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Child benefit /tax credits | 26.4% | 271 |
| State old age pension | 26.3% | 270 |
| Disability rated benefits | 6.8% | 70 |
| Working family tax credits | 4.7% | 48 |
| JSA, ESA or other work related benefits | 2.8% | 29 |
| Housing benefit | 2.3% | 24 |
| Other means-tested benefits | 2.2% | 23 |
| None | 42.7% | 439 |
| Other (please specify) | 61 | |
| answered question | 1028 | |
| skipped question | 109 | |
Personal savings credit and debt etc.
A majority had some access to pension provision beyond the basic state pension.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | |||||
| Do you have any of the following forms of pension provision (in addition to entitlement to the basic state pension)? | |||||
| Answer Options | Yes I am paying into it regularly | Yes but it is frozen or deferred | Yes and I am now drawing income from it | No | Response Count |
| A final salary based pension scheme | 26% | 13% | 25% | 36% | 100% |
| A personal pension fund | 20% | 14% | 11% | 55% | 100% |
| A stakeholder pension | 11% | 4% | 2% | 84% | 100% |
| answered question | 1074 | ||||
| skipped question | 63 | ||||
And four out of five felt they could look forward to an adequate or generous retirement income.
| From Generation to Generation - February 2016 | ||
| Do you have (or expect to have) a pension or retirement income which... | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| is/ will be adequate for your needs | 70.5% | 1143 |
| is/ will be insufficient for your needs | 14.9% | 241 |
| is/ will be enough for you to live in affluence | 11.5% | 187 |
| not expecting to have a pension and will have to rely on welfare and charity or carry on working | 3.1% | 50 |
| Please add any comments | 255 | |
| answered question | 1621 | |
| skipped question | 64 | |
Most of the panel had some savings or investments, prudently invested.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||
| Do you have any of the following forms of savings or investments? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| A savings account at a bank or building society | 85.2% | 862 |
| An ISA | 77.4% | 783 |
| Stocks or shares in public companies | 32.4% | 328 |
| Other financial investments (e.g. endowment policies, unit trusts) | 31.1% | 315 |
| A home or property other than your main residence | 17.9% | 181 |
| Assets or shares related to a business which you own or are a partner | 4.2% | 43 |
| answered question | 1012 | |
| skipped question | 125 | |
However for 18% this amounted to £1000 or less.. while for around 20% it was £100k or over.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||
| Which of the following best represents the value of your savings and investments (not including the home that you live in or funds that are tied into pension schemes)? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Nothing at all | 6.7% | 70 |
| Less than £1000 | 10.9% | 114 |
| £1000 - £9999 | 24.5% | 256 |
| £10,000 - £99,999 | 38.0% | 397 |
| £100,000 - £499,999 | 16.5% | 172 |
| £500,000 to £1 million | 2.7% | 28 |
| Over £1 million | 0.8% | 8 |
| answered question | 1045 | |
| skipped question | 92 | |
| Remarkably few of our evangelicals – compared with the general population in our consumer and debt driven economy – seem to rely on loans and credit with nearly half say they have never used loans or credit except for a mortgage on their homes. These figures probably reflect the age profile of the panel as much as their general level of affluence and Christians values of contentment and prudence.
21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | |||||
| Do you personally have debts or loans of any of the following sort, and how manageable are they? | |||||
| Answer Options | No, never have had | Not at the moment | Yes but it's not a problem | Yes and I'm worried about how to repay it | Response Count |
| Student loan | 75% | 12% | 11% | 2% |
|
| Catalogue or mail order payment agreement | 69% | 26% | 5% | 0% |
|
| Store credit cards | 50% | 36% | 14% | 0% |
|
| Hire purchase or credit agreements on other goods | 49% | 44% | 7% | 0% |
|
| Personal credit card (Visa, Mastercard etc) with outstanding balance not paid off monthly | 48% | 28% | 21% | 3% |
|
| A car loan | 47% | 42% | 10% | 1% |
|
| Bank overdraft | 40% | 41% | 16% | 2% |
|
| A mortgage or loan on your home | 17% | 41% | 41% | 2% |
|
| answered question | 1114 | ||||
| skipped question | 23 | ||||
Still fewer had resorted to sub-prime lenders.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | |||||
| Have you borrowed money from any of the following ? | |||||
| Answer Options | No never | In the past but not at the moment | Yes (currently) but it's not a problem | Yes and I'm worried about how to repay it | Response Count |
| Loan sharks in your community | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
|
| Pawn shops | 99% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
|
| Doorstep credit companies (Provident or similar) | 99% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
|
| Payday loans | 99% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
|
| Social fund loans (from Benefits Agency) | 99% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
|
| A Credit Union | 98% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
|
| A cash loan against the security of your vehicle or home | 92% | 7% | 1% | 0% |
|
| Family or friends | 44% | 47% | 9% | 0% |
|
| answered question | 1116 | ||||
| skipped question | 21 | ||||
The following two tables also show that indebtedness other than an average mortgage is rare among these evangelicals.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | |||
| Have you ever? | |||
| Answer Options | Yes | No | Response Count |
| Consulted a financial adviser to help manage your money | 45% | 55% |
|
| Received 'Martin's Money' e-mails | 30% | 70% |
|
| Received financial help from your church, minister or from another Christian you know | 24% | 76% |
|
| Been refused credit or a loan after a credit check | 11% | 89% |
|
| Asked your church or minister for financial help | 5% | 95% |
|
| Approached any other debt advice service for help with your debt situation | 3% | 97% |
|
| Approached a CAP (Christians Against Poverty) centre for help with your debt situation | 2% | 98% |
|
| Been harassed or attacked because of a bad debt | 2% | 98% |
|
| Been declared bankrupt | 1% | 99% |
|
| Had items repossessed | 1% | 99% |
|
| If you approached a debt advice service other than CAP (please specify) | 35 | ||
| answered question | 1115 | ||
| skipped question | 22 | ||
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||||||||
| In total what is the amount of money you need to repay to clear your debts? | ||||||||
| Answer Options | Nothing | Under £1,000 | £1,000 - £9,999 | £10,000 - £49,999 | £50,000 - £250,000 | Over £250,000 | Don't Know | Response Count |
| Mortgage on your home | 57% | 1% | 3% | 12% | 25% | 2% | 1% |
|
| All other debts | 58% | 11% | 20% | 10% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
|
| answered question | 1106 | |||||||
| skipped question | 31 | |||||||
This table confirms there is a culture of prudence, financial responsibility, integrity and literacy in money matters, with aversion to being in debt.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||||||
| In terms of your feelings about money and debt please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| I try as hard as I can never to borrow money and get into debt. | 52% | 31% | 11% | 5% | 1% |
|
| I feel I am good at managing my money and avoiding problems with it. | 35% | 46% | 12% | 6% | 1% |
|
| I am at ease with taking out a mortgage or loan in order to purchase my home. | 30% | 46% | 14% | 7% | 3% |
|
| I do a lot of research to make sure I am getting the best deals. | 20% | 50% | 23% | 7% | 0% |
|
| When I was growing up no-one ever taught me or talked about how to manage money. | 11% | 26% | 12% | 38% | 14% |
|
| I feel very confused by all the figures involved in credit deals, loans and interest payments. | 6% | 19% | 23% | 34% | 17% |
|
| I really enjoy an occasional day out shopping at a large mall or retail park. | 6% | 25% | 27% | 28% | 14% |
|
| I am at ease with borrowing money whenever I need it to buy something. | 2% | 8% | 16% | 39% | 35% |
|
| answered question | 1111 | |||||
| skipped question | 26 | |||||
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||||||
| Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| Christians should avoid all forms of gambling. | 37% | 39% | 17% | 6% | 2% | 100% |
| Christians should make sensible financial investments to provide for their families and their own old age. | 28% | 61% | 10% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| I think it is important to take out insurance to cover the risk of loss of the things I own. | 18% | 59% | 16% | 6% | 1% | 100% |
| Speculation and taking risks on the financial markets is morally wrong. | 9% | 21% | 44% | 22% | 4% | 100% |
| answered question | 1079 | |||||
| skipped question | 58 | |||||
Work
One in five of the respondents were retired, and only small numbers of the rest (students, home-makers, unemployed etc.) were economically inactive. More than half were currently employees and almost everyone had been employed at some point of their life.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| What is your current employment status? (Please tick only one answer) | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| I am an employee with one paid job only | 47.2% | 644 |
| I am retired | 20.6% | 281 |
| Other or some combination of the above (please specify) | 12.2% | 166 |
| I work on a self-employed basis | 9.1% | 124 |
| I am an employee with two or more paid jobs | 4.9% | 67 |
| I am a full-time student with no paid work | 2.3% | 32 |
| I am currently a full-time homemaker or carer | 1.4% | 19 |
| I am not currently employed and not looking for work, or not able to work | 1.2% | 16 |
| I am unemployed and seeking work | 1.0% | 14 |
| answered question | 1363 | |
| skipped question | 19 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Whether you are currently in work or not, have you EVER in your life been in paid employment? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Yes | 98.8% | 1356 |
| No | 1.2% | 16 |
| answered question | 1372 | |
| skipped question | 10 | |
Over 70% currently or previously were in full time work. Part-time work and career breaks to care for children were more common among women.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| On average how many hours per week do/did you spend working for pay? (If you have/had more than one paid job please give the overall total) | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| More than 60 | 6.6% | 87 |
| 41 - 60 | 30.1% | 394 |
| 28 - 40 | 37.4% | 490 |
| 15 - 27 | 15.2% | 199 |
| 8 - 14 | 5.5% | 72 |
| 1 - 7 | 1.4% | 18 |
| Occasional, casual or variable hours | 3.7% | 49 |
| answered question | 1309 | |
| skipped question | 73 | |
About one in three employed respondents are or were members of a workplace trade union but only a small minority are actively involved and slightly more will not join on principle.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Are/were you a member of a trade union? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Yes - I am/was not very active but I am/was glad for the support the union offers | 24.2% | 296 |
| No - there is/was a union at my workplace but there is no expectation that I should join | 17.5% | 214 |
| There is/was no trade union but I am/was a member of a staff association or professional body | 16.5% | 202 |
| I am self-employed so union membership is not relevant | 12.3% | 151 |
| No - because the employer does/did not recognise or allow a union | 11.2% | 137 |
| No - there is/was a union but it is/was against my principles to join | 7.3% | 89 |
| Yes - but I am/was not very keen on the way it operates | 6.8% | 83 |
| Yes - and I am/was very active within it | 4.3% | 53 |
| answered question | 1225 | |
| skipped question | 157 | |
Many were required to work unsocial hours. This was especially the case for those who worked for the Church (Sundays can be busy) or a Christian organisation.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Does/did your job require you to frequently work unsocial hours? Please tick all that apply. | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| None of the above - I just work regular hours on weekdays | 35.7% | 441 |
| I have to go to or stay at work in the evenings | 35.3% | 435 |
| I regularly bring work home with me | 35.0% | 432 |
| I have to work over weekends | 30.6% | 378 |
| I need to be on call or available to colleagues or customers when I am at home. | 24.8% | 306 |
| I have to work on a changing shift pattern | 7.5% | 92 |
| I am required to work on Sundays which prevents me from attending church | 6.3% | 78 |
| I have to do night shifts | 5.0% | 62 |
| Other unsocial or inconvenient work pattern (please specify) | 173 | |
| answered question | 1234 | |
| skipped question | 148 | |
Unpaid work was also frequent for many.. especially in the home and for church.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | |||||
| In an average week how many hours do you spend doing unpaid work in each of the following areas? | |||||
| Answer Options | None | 1-3 hours | 4-10 hours | More than 20 hours | Response Count |
| Domestic labour (housework, shopping, DIY etc) | 4% | 41% | 50% | 5% |
|
| Work for your church | 15% | 45% | 34% | 7% |
|
| Caring for children (your own or other people's) | 49% | 18% | 19% | 13% |
|
| Work for other Christian organisations | 58% | 28% | 10% | 4% |
|
| Gardening | 36% | 55% | 9% | 0% |
|
| Caring for adults | 72% | 19% | 7% | 2% |
|
| Work for a secular charity, voluntary or community organisation | 71% | 21% | 7% | 1% |
|
| Other unpaid work (please specify) | 109 | ||||
| answered question | 1277 | ||||
| skipped question | 105 | ||||
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Have you ever done an extended period (over a week) of unpaid work ? Please tick all that apply. | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Yes - a gap year or a long-term voluntary work placement of more than a month with a church, charity or community organisation | 22.2% | 269 |
| Yes - at least one voluntary work placement of between one and four weeks | 21.1% | 256 |
| Yes - a work experience placement during my studies | 18.2% | 220 |
| Yes - an unpaid internship with an employer before or after my studies | 2.6% | 31 |
| Yes - a period of unpaid work as part of a sentence from the courts | 0.2% | 2 |
| No - I have never done any of the above | 51.7% | 627 |
| If Yes please give some details | 282 | |
| answered question | 1212 | |
| skipped question | 170 | |
25% are or were employed by he Church or a Christian organisation, with almost as many in the health or social care sector. The NHS and other public sector work was also common as was the charitable sector. Remarkably few were or are employed in the private sector, especially in industry. Evangelicals seem less interested in making profits than making prophets!
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| In which sector(s) or industry(ies) is/was your current or most recent job? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| The Church or a Christian organisation | 24.7% | 328 |
| Education sector | 23.0% | 306 |
| NHS or other health or social care related | 14.5% | 193 |
| Other (please specify) | 10.2% | 135 |
| Other public sector (e.g. civil service, local government) | 8.6% | 114 |
| Voluntary or charitable sector | 8.0% | 106 |
| Financial services, banking accountancy etc | 6.2% | 83 |
| Service industry such as retail, catering, leisure | 5.9% | 78 |
| Manufacturing industry | 4.2% | 56 |
| Construction, building maintenance or property | 2.0% | 26 |
| Transport (rail, road, shipping, aviation) | 2.0% | 27 |
| Agriculture, forestry or extraction (mining /oil etc) | 0.8% | 10 |
| answered question | 1329 | |
Given the average age of our panel it is no surprise than more than half have been at work for 30 or more years.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| How many years is it since you started to work for pay? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Less than 2 | 1.7% | 22 |
| 3 - 5 | 4.7% | 60 |
| 6 - 10 | 5.9% | 75 |
| 11 - 20 | 14.0% | 178 |
| 21 - 30 | 19.0% | 242 |
| 31 - 40 | 26.3% | 334 |
| More than 40 | 28.1% | 358 |
| I have never worked for pay | 0.2% | 3 |
| answered question | 1272 | |
| skipped question | 110 | |
Using the standard occupational categories for socio-economic groups nearly a quarter can be described as professionals, nearly half as Bs (managers and lower professionals) and less than 10% as manual workers.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Which best describes the type of work you do (or did in your last job)? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| A. Professional, senior manager in business or commerce, senior civil servant (e.g. accountant, doctor, solicitor, head teacher, director, bishop) | 23.4% | 305 |
| B. Middle manager in large organisation, principal officer in local government or civil service, owner or senior manager of small business, educational or service establishments (e.g. teacher, vicar, senior nurse/sister, systems analyst, civil engineer) | 47.7% | 622 |
| C1. Junior managers, owner of small establishment (e.g. nurse, receptionist,office worker, photographer, student, driving instructor) | 20.0% | 261 |
| C2. Skilled manual worker, manual worker with responsibility for others (e.g. butcher, electrician, plumber, bus/HGV/taxi driver, florist, cook, hairdresser) | 4.3% | 56 |
| D. Semi-skilled and unskilled manual worker, apprentice or trainee to skilled worker (e.g. labourer, junior shop assistant, waiter/waitress, window cleaner) | 4.1% | 53 |
| E. Casual workers with no regular income, those dependent on the state long-term | 0.5% | 6 |
| answered question | 1303 | |
| skipped question | 79 | |
Using education as a measure nearly three quarters are at least graduates. It is worth bearing in mind that most were educated before 1980 after which university education became more commonplace.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| What is the highest educational or professional qualification you have obtained? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| No qualifications | 1.5% | 20 |
| GCSEs or equivalent | 5.4% | 71 |
| BTEC, diploma, apprenticeship or vocational qualification achieved after leaving school | 9.2% | 121 |
| A-levels (Highers) or equivalent | 9.3% | 122 |
| A university degree | 32.3% | 424 |
| Postgraduate qualifications (Higher degree or postgraduate professional qualification) | 42.3% | 556 |
| answered question | 1314 | |
| skipped question | 68 | |
Nearly two thirds had some management or supervisory responsibility at work.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| In your work do/did you have managerial or supervisory responsibility for other staff and/or volunteers? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Yes for 10 or more people | 23.7% | 308 |
| Yes for fewer than 10 people | 40.0% | 519 |
| No | 36.3% | 471 |
| answered question | 1298 | |
| skipped question | 84 | |
Only about 20% had a long commute of over an hour to work.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Where is/was your main place of work? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| At home | 13.0% | 169 |
| Within a mile of my home | 16.3% | 212 |
| Within a 30-minute journey from home | 43.8% | 568 |
| Between 30 minutes and 1 hour journey from home | 16.9% | 220 |
| More than a 1 hour journey from home but I still commute | 4.9% | 64 |
| So far from home I need to spend most of the week or longer periods away from home | 1.0% | 13 |
| It varies - I move around a lot with my work | 4.0% | 52 |
| Other (please specify) | 36 | |
| answered question | 1298 | |
| skipped question | 84 | |
Most people over their lifetime had held several different jobs.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| In your working life how many different jobs (posts) have you held? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| None | 0.2% | 2 |
| Only one | 3.5% | 42 |
| Two | 7.9% | 94 |
| 3-5 | 47.1% | 561 |
| More than 5 | 41.3% | 492 |
| answered question | 1191 | |
| skipped question | 191 | |
Over a third had been made redundant at least once.
|
21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Have you ever been made redundant or lost your job? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Never | 62.4% | 792 |
| Once | 25.8% | 328 |
| More than once | 11.7% | 149 |
| answered question | 1269 | |
| skipped question | 113 | |
60% at least once had claimed unemployment benefits at least for a short time.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Have you ever claimed unemployment or other out of work benefits (JSA, ESA, incapacity benefit or similar)? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Never | 39.2% | 191 |
| Once for a period of no more than 13 weeks | 23.2% | 113 |
| Once for a longer period than 13 weeks | 17.0% | 83 |
| More than once but never for a longer period than 13 weeks | 10.1% | 49 |
| More than once and for long periods | 10.5% | 51 |
| Other (please specify) | 22 | |
| answered question | 487 | |
| skipped question | 895 | |
While they had experienced moral support from church when unemployed there seemed to be relatively little by way of practical or financial help – though of course many would never have asked or accepted any.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Did you get any of the following kinds of church-based support to help you manage while out of work, or to find new work? Please tick all that were available to you. | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Prayer support | 56.8% | 243 |
| Emotional and pastoral support | 43.7% | 187 |
| Opportunities to contribute as a volunteer worker | 24.3% | 104 |
| Gifts of money, food or goods | 18.0% | 77 |
| Offers of paid work from church members | 6.3% | 27 |
| Paid work for the church | 4.7% | 20 |
| A job club or practical help to find new work | 2.8% | 12 |
| Signposted or referred by the church to a relevant secular project or agency | 1.4% | 6 |
| A support group for people in similar situations | 1.4% | 6 |
| None of the above | 31.3% | 134 |
| Other (please specify) | 70 | |
| answered question | 428 | |
| skipped question | 954 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Have you ever taken a career break (for more than a couple of months) for any of the following reasons? Please tick all that apply. | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| To concentrate on raising children | 32.1% | 269 |
| Maternity or paternity leave | 30.2% | 253 |
| To do a course of study | 25.4% | 213 |
| A period of unemployment | 24.1% | 202 |
| A period of sickness | 20.3% | 170 |
| To have a sabbatical | 10.8% | 90 |
| Time off for work-related stress | 9.3% | 78 |
| Other | 8.2% | 69 |
| To take an extended holiday or travel | 5.4% | 45 |
| To care for another relative (or friend) | 3.6% | 30 |
| Please feel free give some details | 261 | |
| answered question | 837 | |
| skipped question | 545 | |
The next couple of tables suggest that for the most part evangelical Christians feel happy and fulfilled in their work rather than alienated in the Marxist sense of the term. Most seem to have a sense of vocation and to have found work which is in line with not only their interest and skills but with their ethical and religious values.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||||||
| How do/did you feel about your job? To what extent do you agree or disagree that: | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| I am interested in my work | 57% | 36% | 5% | 2% | 1% |
|
| I value the contact with people that comes with my job. | 44% | 46% | 8% | 1% | 0% |
|
| I believe my work is worthwhile because it brings benefit to society. | 42% | 40% | 13% | 4% | 2% |
|
| I am treated with respect by the people I work with | 39% | 52% | 7% | 2% | 0% |
|
| I feel a strong sense of calling to the work I do. | 38% | 30% | 20% | 9% | 3% |
|
| I enjoy good friendly relationships with my colleagues. | 33% | 57% | 9% | 1% | 0% |
|
| I am sufficiently challenged by my work | 31% | 49% | 11% | 7% | 2% |
|
| I feel valued for the work I do | 30% | 53% | 9% | 7% | 1% |
|
| I feel involved in the decisions that affect my work | 25% | 41% | 16% | 15% | 4% |
|
| I am often tired out at the end of a working day or shift. | 17% | 50% | 18% | 12% | 3% |
|
| I achieve a good balance between my work life and my private life. | 15% | 46% | 19% | 16% | 4% |
|
| I feel that my pay adequately reflects my performance and responsibilities. | 12% | 43% | 20% | 20% | 6% |
|
| I am often stressed because of work. | 9% | 29% | 28% | 28% | 6% |
|
| I have an acceptable workload. | 9% | 45% | 21% | 19% | 5% |
|
| I do my job mainly because I need the money it provides. | 5% | 18% | 21% | 30% | 26% |
|
| I want to leave this job as soon as possible | 4% | 7% | 15% | 32% | 42% |
|
| I often get bored and fed up with my work. | 2% | 8% | 15% | 41% | 34% |
|
| I feel harassed or bullied by management. | 2% | 8% | 15% | 29% | 47% |
|
| answered question | 1290 | |||||
| skipped question | 92 | |||||
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||||||
| Thinking about what is desirable in a job or work situation, how important would the following factors be to you? | ||||||
| Answer Options | Very important | Of some importance | Not very important | Not at all important | Response Count | |
| Knowing God has answered your prayers for guidance or opened doors to get you the job | 67% | 29% | 3% | 1% |
| |
| Good attitudes and practices of management | 67% | 32% | 1% | 0% |
| |
| Your sense of vocation or calling to this type of work | 62% | 31% | 6% | 1% |
| |
| The fit with your qualifications, skills, interests and experience | 60% | 35% | 4% | 0% |
| |
| An opportunity to serve and help other people | 58% | 36% | 5% | 1% |
| |
| The employer's ethical practices. | 56% | 40% | 4% | 0% |
| |
| People I enjoy working with | 55% | 43% | 2% | 0% |
| |
| Convenient times that fit with my domestic life | 40% | 50% | 9% | 1% |
| |
| The number of hours I am expected to work | 39% | 53% | 8% | 1% |
| |
| A pleasant working environment | 37% | 58% | 5% | 0% |
| |
| Opportunities to share the gospel or influence people for Christ. | 36% | 45% | 17% | 2% |
| |
| Convenient location of the workplace | 30% | 60% | 8% | 1% |
| |
| A good rate of pay | 21% | 69% | 9% | 1% |
| |
| Pension provisions and other benefits | 20% | 57% | 18% | 5% |
| |
| A generous holiday entitlement | 18% | 63% | 18% | 1% |
| |
| Prospects of promotion or career progression | 12% | 44% | 37% | 7% |
| |
| The respect and status that comes with the job | 11% | 40% | 41% | 9% |
| |
| Other (please specify) | 40 | |||||
| answered question | 1262 | |||||
| skipped question | 120 | |||||
The following table investigates views on work policies and practices and some aspects of economic policy. The majority see to adopt liberal rather than conservative attitudes here .
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||||||
| Based on your own experience of the work place and/or that of colleagues, family or friends, to what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following?' | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| The gap between top earners and those on a more basic wage is too great | 47% | 38% | 10% | 4% | 1% |
|
| People are being expected to work harder for less money these days | 22% | 54% | 18% | 6% | 1% |
|
| Employers should be flexible to make work more family-friendly | 16% | 61% | 19% | 4% | 0% |
|
| It is wrong for firms to expect young people to do unpaid internships as a way of getting started in their career | 15% | 33% | 25% | 24% | 3% |
|
| Women often encounter obstacles that prevent them progressing to the top level of their career structure | 11% | 46% | 27% | 13% | 2% |
|
| Most unemployed people would like to work, but the system, or their circumstances, doesn't make it easy or worthwhile | 11% | 57% | 26% | 5% | 1% |
|
| Many very capable women are trapped in low pay, low status and insecure jobs | 10% | 42% | 33% | 14% | 1% |
|
| There are huge numbers of skivers and scroungers who prefer to live on benefits than try to find a job | 4% | 17% | 29% | 35% | 16% |
|
| Most employers try to treat their staff fairly | 3% | 56% | 32% | 8% | 1% |
|
| Offering bonus payments or incentives is the best way to get hard work out of staff | 1% | 17% | 34% | 41% | 8% |
|
| Most workers try to get away with doing as little hard work as possible | 1% | 8% | 30% | 51% | 10% |
|
| Most businesses operate ethically | 1% | 17% | 47% | 32% | 3% |
|
| answered question | 1229 | |||||
| skipped question | 153 | |||||
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||||||
| To what extent do you think there is discrimination in employment against each of the following groups of people?' | ||||||
| Answer Options | This often happens | This sometimes happens | This happens but infrequently | This never or almost never happens | Don't know | Response Count |
| Over-50s | 30% | 48% | 11% | 2% | 10% |
|
| People with disabilities | 20% | 48% | 17% | 4% | 12% |
|
| Ethnic minorities | 12% | 48% | 21% | 6% | 14% |
|
| Women | 10% | 54% | 22% | 5% | 10% |
|
| Under-25s | 9% | 42% | 25% | 8% | 16% |
|
| Christians | 6% | 39% | 33% | 10% | 12% |
|
| Muslims | 4% | 34% | 29% | 10% | 23% |
|
| People from other non-Christian religions | 2% | 27% | 31% | 12% | 28% |
|
| answered question | 1222 | |||||
| skipped question | 160 | |||||
There is a widespread awareness that discrimination in employment is a relatively commonplace but that it is more likely to be on account of age disability, ethnicity or gender than on account of religion.
Only a minority felt they had direct personal experience of being discriminated against
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||
| Have you personally ever been subject to discrimination at work? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Yes | 11.5% | 140 |
| No | 75.2% | 918 |
| Not sure | 11.5% | 141 |
| Not applicable | 1.8% | 22 |
| If Yes please give some details | 132 | |
| answered question | 1221 | |
| skipped question | 161 | |
The examples below give a range of personal experiences, a few of which are around issues of belief, religious identity or ethical conscience issues though race, gender and age also feature.
In the 1980s I was advised not to bother applying for work in the leading, London-based firms in my professional field due to my northern address and moderate northern accent. I do not think that such anti-northern discrimination now exists.
passed over on promotion because of being a Christian and for not getting drunk with the boss
my stance on abortion may have prevented obtaining certain jobs
My first employer in the City was very biased to those with a public school background
At an interview: 'Why at the age of 53 are you applying for this job?'
I was offered a job verbally but was then called back for another meeting with the director. Later discovered indirectly that the job offer had been withdrawn but no-one had told me. The suspicion was that this was because there was a strong Muslim presence on the board who did not want a Christian working for them.
Due to disability (a mental health problem)
Minor - I'm Asian and I'm asked some stupid questions sometimes.
I believe I was both bullied (unsuccessfully) and discriminated against because I was known to be a practising Christian.
I was told by a teacher that I should not have changed my surname to an African name when I married as this would mean I would get less job interviews
Companies are in business to make money, the more the better, and I have experienced discrimination because I used honest ethics.
Overlooked for someone younger although better qualified for the job
Prejudices from colleagues because of my nationality (not very frequent)
I'm a woman priest in the C of E so there is some discrimination built in to the organisation. However, I have very rarely experienced discrimination directed at me personally.
I was the only woman on a management team with responsibility for a budget of over a million pounds but was paid half that of the other members and new graduate consultants were going to be offered more than I earned except that I announced that I would take them to court.
Discrimination is too strong a word, but I was only paid for the hours I lectured with almost no preparation time, email time, consulting or marking taken into consideration. There may have been an assumption that I would still do the extra hours (true) and that I wouldn't complain as a Christian. But I did, and was eventually listened to somewhat.
in my second job in England i was racially abused
33 years ago I was interviewed & told I didn't get the job because I was about to get married!
Refusing to lie about something brought me into conflict with my boss leading in time to me getting demoted.
Refused an alternative, permanent job in the company I worked for on the grounds that as a Christian, I wouldn't fit in with the sales ethos, and that other members of the team would feel uncomfortable working with me as I would object to bad language etc (even though they were the very people who encouraged me to apply for the position)
Racial. Hate campaign by a group of subordinate colleagues of a different ethnicity.
Have been told to remove a cross from my bedroom window. Have been frowned upon for my faith by some social workers.
while working for the Civil Service, I was discriminated against because I refused to attend a stag night that ended in a strip club
Am very overqualified for my job yet cannot get promoted. Instead I see far less able men promoted. Women are mainly confined to the lower grade jobs.
When I was working as an occupational therapist and later as a therapy technician I was in a mainly female work force, sometimes collectively addressed as 'girls'. In team meetings when patients were discussed there was sometimes anti-men 'humour' ('Why is Mr Smith still in bed?' 'Because he's a man').
As a woman in early days of working for churches.
Being a Christian and also being white and dating a non-white person. I was given a very hard time about it by my bosses.
I have a disability. At the previous place of work to the one I talk about here, I was subject to regular verbal abuse about disability.
When i was looking for work it was clear that women were preferred for managerial roles in the public sector over men. Therefore i would not get jobs due to being male. I have never seen discrimination the other way round where by a woman gets discriminated against.
We also asked about problems encountered in the world of work. Interestingly among the suggested issues it was the performance management culture (of the public sector?) that was most commonly found problematic.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||||||
| Still thinking about working life in general today, how significant are the following problems in the workplace? | ||||||
| Answer Options | Very significant | Significant | Not very significant | Not at all significant | Don't know | Response Count |
| Too much emphasis on performance management and the target culture | 35% | 50% | 9% | 2% | 4% |
|
| Too much offensive language | 16% | 50% | 22% | 4% | 7% |
|
| Christians getting into trouble at work if they say what they believe | 13% | 41% | 31% | 5% | 9% |
|
| Lack of concern and kindness towards other people | 12% | 50% | 24% | 4% | 9% |
|
| Bullying by management | 12% | 47% | 26% | 4% | 11% |
|
| Dishonesty, theft and fraud | 10% | 41% | 32% | 5% | 13% |
|
| Taking unwarranted sick leave | 7% | 38% | 39% | 4% | 12% |
|
| A culture which condones racism | 5% | 17% | 42% | 18% | 19% |
|
| Sexual harassment | 5% | 33% | 38% | 7% | 17% |
|
| answered question | 1215 | |||||
| skipped question | 167 | |||||
We also asked an open ended questions about jobs not acceptable to do as a Christian. The most widely rejected were in the sex and gambling industries.
In terms of employment and economic policy there was (a surprisingly) high level of support for workers rights, full employment, decent wages and working conditions.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2013 - Faith and the world of work | ||||||
| Thinking about government policy to what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following? The government should... | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| support international efforts to root out child labour and near slave labour in companies that export to the UK. | 67% | 29% | 3% | 1% | 0% |
|
| ensure that no one is prevented from, or penalised for, expressing their religious convictions in the workplace. | 54% | 38% | 7% | 1% | 0% |
|
| invest in projects to bring new manufacturing industry to the UK. | 40% | 52% | 7% | 1% | 0% |
|
| do better to ensure there are enough decent jobs for everyone who wants to work. | 31% | 51% | 15% | 2% | 0% |
|
| increase taxes on the wealthy and reduce them on the lower-paid. | 23% | 48% | 21% | 7% | 1% |
|
| change the law to ensure everyone receives a living wage. | 23% | 52% | 18% | 6% | 1% |
|
| do more to protect the rights and working conditions of employees. | 22% | 49% | 26% | 4% | 0% |
|
| make sure that no one works more than 48 hours a week. | 18% | 35% | 30% | 15% | 3% |
|
| reduce migration in order to safeguard jobs for British workers. | 9% | 28% | 33% | 23% | 6% |
|
| change the law to reduce further the power of trade unions. | 4% | 12% | 45% | 31% | 7% |
|
| make it easier and cheaper for employers to hire and fire staff. | 4% | 26% | 35% | 31% | 4% |
|
| cut back on welfare benefits for the unemployed. | 2% | 14% | 39% | 35% | 9% |
|
| answered question | 1214 | |||||
Needs
The attitude of Evangelical Christians to spending money on material things is well summed up in this comment from a respondent:
We buy what we can afford, on many purchase decisions we discuss the pro's and con's of its value. We have learned to trust God with our finances to some degree, so our faith influences our attitude towards money and materialism
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | |||||
| Which of the following items do you consider to be a necessity for you and your household - something you would find it hard to live without? | |||||
| Answer Options | Absolutely essential | Desirable but not essential | Not a priority | Cannot afford this so I do without | Response Count |
| A good healthy and varied diet | 74% | 23% | 2% | 0% |
|
| Keeping my home warm | 66% | 31% | 2% | 0% |
|
| A home that feels safe and comfortable | 65% | 33% | 2% | 0% |
|
| A car or other means of transport that gets me where I need to go. | 63% | 28% | 5% | 3% |
|
| A good holiday at least once every year | 15% | 54% | 22% | 9% |
|
| Being able to enjoy my leisure activities | 15% | 65% | 18% | 2% |
|
| Going out for a meal at least once a month | 2% | 35% | 54% | 9% |
|
| A smart home in a desirable neighbourhood | 2% | 37% | 51% | 10% |
|
| Fashionable clothes and personal grooming to make me look good | 1% | 27% | 64% | 8% |
|
| The latest hi-tech electronic gadgets | 1% | 20% | 64% | 15% |
|
| A car that looks good, performs well and is no more than a couple of years old | 0% | 14% | 67% | 18% |
|
| Any other things you consider absolutely essential | 273 | ||||
| answered question | 1127 | ||||
| skipped question | 10 | ||||
Listed under other essentials spiritual factors and church support was a popular choice, family and relationships were significant to many, and money to give to church and those in need also was frequently mentioned. Among material needs Computers, phones and broadband were mentioned by many followed by travel, and books. A significant number of people talked about the essential requirement for basic services such as clean water, shelter and electricity implicitly acknowledging that many people in other parts of the world have none of theses.
| travelcard (season ticket) spectacles | Travel |
| my bike | Travel |
| denims, bike (or two! Actually I've got five.) | Travel |
| Money to travel and see friends; | Travel |
| fuel and servicing for car (volunteer driver) | Travel |
| ability to travel and means to travel. | Travel |
| Living within commuting distance of a station | Travel |
| I need my car for my work in the community. | Travel |
| To be able to afford to fill my car with fuel! | Travel |
| A bike | Travel |
| access to transport and health facilites also library and community | Travel |
| The opportunity to travel - both in the UK and abroad | Travel |
| a church that reaches out and a group of believers that encourage me and others | Spiritual |
| Sunday at Church and Bible Study | Spiritual |
| Jesus is my friend | Spiritual |
| Being aware of how much God loves me | Spiritual |
| Things which money cannot buy - love of my family, space to be me, people I can trust and a host of many other things which may seem ordinary, but a given as gifts by God. | Spiritual |
| meet with other Christians for worship and fellowship | Spiritual |
| Friendhip, Family, Jesus! | Spiritual |
| Faith in Jesus and a close relationship with Him | Spiritual |
| Christian Books | Spiritual |
| Church conference / camp. | Spiritual |
| Reading the Bible, praying, church services and fellowship, keeping in touch with missionaries across the world | Spiritual |
| A good church within two miles | Spiritual |
| A local fellowship | Spiritual |
| Enough money to be able to socialise with friends/church people. We don't have enough money to do this and are aware of the loss. Could not afford to attend church meal or go on church weekend away. | Spiritual |
| Church family | Spiritual |
| Good local church. | Spiritual |
| faithfulness within a family | Spiritual |
| Christian literature; a number of different versions of the bible | Spiritual |
| Able to donate and financially support my church | Spiritual |
| Regular Christian fellowship | Spiritual |
| Time with God | Spiritual |
| Giving to the work of God | Spiritual |
| financially supporting missionary and church, presents for neices/nephews, hospitality to those the Lord asks me to invite into my home | Spiritual |
| A God fearing, Christ loving, Bible believing Church and Christian friendship group. Access to Christian Home Schooling for our children,. A society which fears God, knows the Risen Christ and has repented of its sins. | Spiritual |
| tithing to my church, | Spiritual |
| My bible | Spiritual |
| Giving money to charity | Spiritual |
| Depends on what is meant by "things". If merely material items, then answer is 'No'. However, the love of my wife and family; my freedom to read God's Word, and to minister; my relatinship with the Lord; are all in the "absolutely essential" category. | Spiritual |
| Giving one tenth to God's work and those in need through Christian organisations | Spiritual |
| A good church | Spiritual |
| God! | Spiritual |
| Freedom to worship without persecution | Spiritual |
| being able to give prayerfully to people who need the blessing | Spiritual |
| A church where I can have fellowship with other Christians and that reaches out into the community | Spiritual |
| A Bible | Spiritual |
| A good Chirch Fellowship | Spiritual |
| Access to a Christian Bookshop - ESSENTIAL | Spiritual |
| Spiritual life. Cultural life. | Spiritual |
| God!! | Spiritual |
| Freedom to go to church | Spiritual |
| The fellowship within the church | Spiritual |
| Christian fellowship | Spiritual |
| a church I like attending | Spiritual |
| A good church within a sensible distance of home, so as to keep travel costs reasonable. | Spiritual |
| Going to a good church | Spiritual |
| Being part of a supportive church family. Good solid accepting freinds. These things I'd invest mony in. | Spiritual |
| good church - pastoral care, worship, teaching, family network | Spiritual |
| Serving and receiving at Church | Spiritual |
| Time to work and read | Spiritual |
| Proximity to a loving caring evangelical church! | Spiritual |
| Being able to continue my normal Christian activities - attending church, giving to charity, being with my family, my free bus & train pass, keeping fit & active, etc | Spiritual |
| Because of work - mobile communications | I.T. |
| PC and mobile phone | I.T. |
| a computer | I.T. |
| computer and mobile phone | I.T. |
| Computer as myself and husband do some work from home in our jobs. | I.T. |
| Ability to contact my family by phone or email. | I.T. |
| Internet access. | I.T. |
| Internet access | I.T. |
| My laptop and mobile phone | I.T. |
| ACCESS TO THE INTERNET | I.T. |
| books and internet access | I.T. |
| Computer phone and internet access.... | I.T. |
| Internet access. | I.T. |
| Telephone and computer linked to the internet | I.T. |
| Means of communication with friends and family | I.T. |
| mobile phone as I use it for my business | I.T. |
| IT/Broadband | I.T. |
| Computer and internet | I.T. |
| Good communication-it would now be hard to live without email &c. | I.T. |
| Internet connection | I.T. |
| Internet and computer! | I.T. |
| Internet access - primarily email, and telephone. | I.T. |
| A computer for Church business - communication and data management. | I.T. |
| Up-to-date computer for my work which I have to purchase myself. | I.T. |
| A working TV, laptop and phone - but doen't have to be the latest model or hi-tech. | I.T. |
| Internet access, books, time alone with my wife, and time for reflection and prayer. | I.T. |
| Telephone and internet although doesn't need to be the highest spec. | I.T. |
| A computer and the Internet. | I.T. |
| Living in a rural area,saving petrol,internet connection has important for maintaining social contact | I.T. |
| computer and internet access, mobile phone | I.T. |
| Access to phone and internet in order to do work. Radio is nice too. | I.T. |
| laptop & internet access | I.T. |
| Internet link | I.T. |
| good internet connection | I.T. |
| Home insurance; Broadband Internet access; smart phone | I.T. |
| COMPUTER, SADLY | I.T. |
| Internet connection is constantly used in this house. The speed we have is 30 Mbps, soon to be upgraded. However a lower speed, whilst annoying, would be the minimum due to work/leisure/church requirements. | I.T. |
| Internet/phone access | I.T. |
| TV, Laptop computer, phone | I.T. |
| a hospitable and welcoming home. | I.T. |
| internet connection, | I.T. |
| Computer materials needed for my work; petrol required to transport me and kids to Uni; materials required for work and training | I.T. |
| Internet access, some form of phone - mobile or land line, access to world news by TV, newspaper or other means, books including Christian books by some means - buy if possible or library access | I.T. |
| phone and broadband | I.T. |
| A basic mobile 'phone to keep in contact with my far flung friends and family and to enable me to respond quickly to any urgent "work" requests. | I.T. |
| Good health | Health |
| medications and health requirements | Health |
| Health & strength | Health |
| Good health | Health |
| prescription medicines | Health |
| GOOD HEALTH | Health |
| Health | Health |
| A christian Marridge, Hospitality, reasonably good heath care. | Health |
| health care eg dental care | Health |
| Disability aids to remain independent | Health |
| My leisure activities centre mainly around my church and home. At my age it is also essential to keep fit by taking regular exercise. | Health |
| Good medical care; contact with family; budget for charity and church. Social life. | Health |
| Healthcare | Health |
| Local access to good quality healthcare - NHS preferred but I pay for dentist, optician. | Health |
| Wine and Whisky (In moderation of course) | Health |
| Good health | Health |
| Regular exercise | Health |
| Exercise; Creativity | Health |
| medicines, toiletries & sanitary products, specialist dietary products (I am lactose intolerant). | Health |
| Regular physical exercise classes are essential to keep me fitter and mobile etc | Health |
| Good health and health care, family, friends, Church, tv/radio, all these and the above, as well as Jesus, help me with my stress levels. Nothing on here has to be expensive! | Health |
| Medication (prescribed by my Doctor) | Health |
| the ability to keep fit and exercise regularly. (Our bodies are the temple of the holy spirit!) | Health |
| a garden & ready access to countryside | Green |
| Access to local green space | Green |
| Countryside nearby. | Green |
| The ability to help others in a practical way | Giving |
| Money to give to good causes | Giving |
| Giving to my local Church | Giving |
| payment to charity. | Giving |
| Giving: essential. | Giving |
| ability to give to others | Giving |
| Giving | Giving |
| Giving money to others. | Giving |
| tithing | Giving |
| Being able to give. Having some savings. | Giving |
| buying fairtrade / ethically sourced goods | Giving |
| tithing | Giving |
| giving money away to church and overseas | Giving |
| giving | Giving |
| Funding The Child we support via Compassion uk | Giving |
| Tithing | Giving |
| Sufficient income to give to those I see in need, | Giving |
| at least 10% giving (across the board, not necessarily just my church) | Giving |
| Giving from the Lord's provision for us | Giving |
| friends | Family |
| Being able to accommodate my family when they visit. | Family |
| my children to be emplyed | Family |
| School uniforms & money for school activities so children don't miss out. | Family |
| Quality relationships | Family |
| Being able to provide for childrens education | Family |
| A garden, with a lawn big enough fro grandchildren to play on when they come to visit us. | Family |
| Uni fees for kids to give them a start in life. Saving for a pension. | Family |
| Comfort of my children | Family |
| Getting my daughter through university | Family |
| Things for the children eg sports lessons, books, holidays as a family, even if cheap ones | Family |
| If possible, good family & community support structures | Family |
| Good friends | Family |
| having the money to keep our pet dog | Family |
| Financial giving is essential. I prioritise the needs of my children. | Family |
| With regard to 'Home' - a home where my grown up children can have space to stay when they visit / return | Family |
| Children's savings | Family |
| A loving wife and family | Family |
| Funding children's education! | Family |
| Going out as a family | Family |
| Children's essential items, e.g. correctly fitted shoes, school uniform etc. | Family |
| educational materials for my children | Family |
| Time with my family, a stable relationship, a local church | Family |
| children's education | Family |
| Being able to take care of the family or better still being there if they hit hard times. | Family |
| Paying for school trips and clubs for my daughter | Family |
| School fees for disabled child | Family |
| My dog | Family |
| Being able to clothe my child as he grows. This takes priority over clothing the adults. | Family |
| Time with family | Family |
| Feeling safe in my home. Love for my children and providing for their needs. | Family |
| education and health/sport facilities | Family |
| Relationships | Family |
| Bus pass, coffee with friends. | Family |
| Family; work | Family |
| protection for my children | Family |
| ability to spend quality time with friends and family | Family |
| Spending quality time with family which would entail transport costs | Family |
| Providing for my children | Family |
| Meeting the needs of my wider family (children and grandchildren and elderly father-in-law) | Family |
| Providing well for the children | Family |
| Providing for my children's needs at school and in social/sports clubs | Family |
| buying books | BOOKS |
| Books | BOOKS |
| Books! | BOOKS |
| Books | BOOKS |
| books | BOOKS |
| Books | BOOKS |
| Books, spending money necessary for socialising | BOOKS |
| Books; musical instruments | BOOKS |
| Quality of reading material | BOOKS |
| Books and Radio 4 | BOOKS |
| BOOKS | BOOKS |
| Supply of clean water; hot water for washing. | basics |
| access to clean water and schools | basics |
| Food, shelter, human relationships, some means of transport, e.g. car/bike, electricity/phone. | basics |
| Hot water and a shower | basics |
| money for the electric meter/cooker | basics |
| Clean water | basics |
| A safe neighbourhood from violence, vandalism and excessive noise | basics |
| Food, Mortgage, Water, electric, council tax, tithe | basics |
| A local church community, household utilities Heat, light,water, | basics |
| A good kitchen and a comfortable bed! | basics |
| Sufficient income to pay the bills so as not to get into debt. | basics |
| Electric bills, council tax, water bills, telephone bills, tv license, money for toiletries and medicines, inluding prescriptions when neccesary. | basics |
| Enough money to pay for all the essentials, and have a bit left over | basics |
| A washing machine which works, regardless of age / status | basics |
| Fresh water, gas, electricity, | basics |
| the means to wash yourself and clothes | basics |
| Clothing appropriate to the seasons. particularly warm clothing for winter | basics |
| Having enough nutrition and clean water. | basics |
| Food, water, shelter, home, fellowship, Bible, books | basics |
| I consider only the basic requirements fror living to be essential - ie food, clothing protection | basics |
| Going to the theatre | arts |
| Radio 4, cheap pay as you go mobile phone | arts |
| TV | arts |
| Buying music CDs | arts |
| Obviously utilities. Also engagement with the arts: that means going out to the arts, not at home, whether theatre, concert (classical), art gallery or film. | arts |
| As a single person the resources to socialise e.g. going for a drink. I also freelance in the arts and spend a lot of time in meetings and networking in bars and cafes. This is essential. | arts |
| Any other things you consider absolutely essential |
|
| income |
|
| To be able to pay bills. Not have debt. |
|
| Being able to Tithe, being able to read the word. Getting to church |
|
| my friends |
|
| Food, friendship, enjoyable church worship |
|
| A basic mobile phone. If "other means of transport" includes a bike, then maybe essential.... |
|
| Employment. Both for wellbeing and stimulation. |
|
| None |
|
| A guitar and computer |
|
| Proximity to town by walking. Broadband (but on an old computer). At least a small garden and the means to buy the occasional plants (as cheaply as possible from a nursery). Ability and finances to maintain our home myself (DIY) as much as possible. Cheap (or free) phone calls to family at some time in the week by whatever is the best deal. |
|
| family life, low carbon lifestyle, political and religious feedom |
|
| Buying things for the home, eg curtain fabric, cushions, kitchen wares; buying gifts and cards for family and friends' birthdays; mobile phone |
|
| adequate stable income |
|
| As an older person and retired missionary, keeping in touch with people by email and correspondence and visiting prayer partners |
|
| ability to make adequate pension provision |
|
| Being able to live in a way that matches my social and environmental priorities. |
|
| Access to friends and church, that would determine where I live more than the neighbourhood. A reliable car is essential for my work but it is 10 yrs old.and doesn't look to good! |
|
| having a job that pays a good fair wage. |
|
| My children would probably say Pay TV, music downloads and their mobile phones. |
|
| A few years ago a 'badged' car was essential as an ego booster but thank God that is no longer the case! |
|
| Childcare |
|
| telephone, fridge, washing machine |
|
| A home that I am comfortable to entertain others in |
|
| Having access to news media, keeping in contact with friends |
|
| by good holiday I mean a good rest, not one that costs a lot or abroad. usually we visit family or camp. |
|
| washing machine |
|
| Food |
|
| paying my bills. at the moment, being unemployed, and having huge arreas from being unemployed, i cannot afford to do this |
|
| having a home where others feel welcomed. |
|
| We buy what we can afford, on many purchase decisions we discuss the pro's and con's of its value. We have learned to trust God with our finances to some degree, so our faith influences our attitude towards money and materialism |
|
| Telephone |
|
| living in a safe area with a good church family |
|
| Work in some form or another |
|
| Telephone,internet useful, being able to afford petrol in order to be able to visit my elderly mother |
|
| A good pair of trainers for running |
|
| Personal toiletries |
|
| telephone |
|
| meeting with friends, enjoying time together as a family & with others, being able to be part of a Christian community freely, doing things for others as a community |
|
| my dishwasher!!! |
|
| friends |
|
| Freedom to live without interference/control from the State or any other organisation/person |
|
| In the Good News for the Poor survey we asked a variant of the needs list question in an attempt to mirror the methodology of the Breadline Britain and JRF attempt to establish a poverty line for households in the UK.
Poverty survey November 2014 | ||||
| What are the living standards you feel all adults should have in the UK today? Which of the items listed below do you think are necessary? | ||||
| Answer Options | Necessary for an adequate standard of living | Not necessary | Response Count | |
| A safe, basically furnished home | 99% | 1% |
| |
| Nutritious food most days (such as fresh fruit, vegetables, meat or fish) | 99% | 1% |
| |
| Heating to keep home adequately warm | 99% | 1% |
| |
| A warm waterproof coat | 99% | 1% |
| |
| Washing machine | 81% | 19% |
| |
| To be able to pay an unexpected expense of £500 | 67% | 33% |
| |
| A small amount of money to spend each week on yourself, not on your family | 61% | 39% |
| |
| Car (or affordable use of a preferred means of transport) | 56% | 44% |
| |
| Internet connection at home | 50% | 50% |
| |
| Replace worn out clothes with new (not second-hand) ones | 48% | 52% |
| |
| Mobile phone | 46% | 54% |
| |
| Television | 40% | 60% |
| |
| answered question | 1581 | |||
| skipped question | 26 | |||
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| Can you personally afford the items on the list above? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Yes, all of them | 68.1% | 1067 |
| I could afford them all but I choose to go without some | 19.6% | 307 |
| No, there are some I can't afford | 12.3% | 193 |
| Please specify any which you go without | 230 | |
| answered question | 1567 | |
| skipped question | 40 | |
Giving to church and charity..
Christians and evangelicals in particular hold generous giving to church and charity as a normative practice. The tables below show the responses to the various questions we used in this area.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||||||
| What are your beliefs and attitudes about giving away some of your income? | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| I believe in tithing so I give around 10% (or more) of my income to various causes which include my church, Christian organisations and other charities. | 38% | 26% | 18% | 13% | 4% | 100% |
| I believe in tithing so I try to give around 10% (or more) of my income to my church. | 32% | 19% | 23% | 23% | 4% | 100% |
| When I die everything I own will go to my spouse and/or family | 18% | 34% | 20% | 21% | 8% | 100% |
| There was a time in my life when I felt challenged and started to give away far more than I had done before then. | 16% | 42% | 24% | 15% | 3% | 100% |
| My money all belongs to God so I only keep what I need to live on. | 6% | 28% | 45% | 20% | 2% | 100% |
| I sometimes feel ashamed or guilty that I give so little away. | 5% | 31% | 22% | 32% | 10% | 100% |
| I don't think tithing as much as 10% of my income is necessary but I do give away substantial amounts to causes such as my church, Christian organisations and other charities. | 4% | 13% | 18% | 41% | 23% | 100% |
| I prefer to keep almost all my income to myself. | 0% | 2% | 7% | 30% | 61% | 100% |
|
|
| |||||
| answered question | 1103 | |||||
| skipped question | 34 | |||||
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| Have you, in the last 12 months, personally done any of the following to respond to the issue of poverty? Please tick all that apply | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Given money to a charity tackling poverty overseas | 73% | 1060 |
| Given food to a food bank | 70% | 1025 |
| Given a donation to an international disaster appeal | 67% | 967 |
| Given money directly to someone you know personally who is in financial need | 56% | 817 |
| Given money to a charity tackling poverty in the UK | 55% | 806 |
| Prayed regularly for or with people who are facing poverty overseas | 45% | 658 |
| Sponsored a child or other person who is facing poverty overseas | 44% | 639 |
| Prayed regularly for or with people who are facing poverty in the UK | 42% | 608 |
| Volunteered some time to a church project or Christian charity which aims to tackle poverty | 37% | 544 |
| Contacted a politician or campaigned about an aspect of poverty in the UK | 34% | 488 |
| Given money to someone begging on the streets | 31% | 448 |
| Bought food or drink for someone begging on the streets | 30% | 442 |
| Contacted a politician or campaigned on international poverty issues | 30% | 432 |
| Given long-term support to, or befriended someone, who is facing poverty | 27% | 392 |
| Shared a meal in your home with someone who was hungry, destitute or homeless | 10% | 151 |
| Fulfilled a calling to live or serve in a community facing poverty | 10% | 145 |
| Been employed by or on the management group of an anti-poverty organisation or project | 9% | 131 |
| Volunteered some time to a secular community project or charity which aims to tackle poverty | 9% | 128 |
| Other (please specify) | 7% | 95 |
| Given money to help an individual through an online scheme such as Acts435 | 5% | 71 |
| None of the above | 2% | 22 |
| answered question | 1455 | |
| skipped question | 152 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||||||
| What are your practices in terms of giving ? | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| When I give money to my church or charities I try to make sure it is Gift Aided so they can reclaim the tax. | 70% | 18% | 7% | 4% | 1% |
|
| I prefer to set up automatic methods of giving (such as direct debits or standing orders) to ensure I give regularly to charity(ies)/church. | 50% | 30% | 9% | 8% | 2% |
|
| I give a lot of items I no longer need to charity shops. | 29% | 50% | 13% | 7% | 1% |
|
| I intend in my will to make a substantial legacy to my church or to a Christian charity. | 14% | 20% | 40% | 20% | 5% |
|
| Most of my giving is now done online. | 10% | 20% | 20% | 35% | 15% |
|
| Most of my giving is in cash. | 5% | 13% | 12% | 42% | 28% |
|
| I give substantial amounts to individuals in need whom I know personally. | 4% | 27% | 28% | 33% | 8% |
|
| I have so little money I can't afford to give very much away. | 3% | 8% | 10% | 38% | 41% |
|
| Most of my giving is quite spontaneous when I see a need. | 3% | 14% | 25% | 47% | 11% |
|
| I give away so much of my money that I sometimes go without things that I need. | 1% | 8% | 19% | 54% | 17% |
|
| I often give money to beggars in the street. | 1% | 12% | 22% | 43% | 23% |
|
| answered question | 1108 | |||||
| skipped question | 29 | |||||
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| Have you personally experienced any of the following in the last 12 months? Please tick all that apply | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| None of the above | 7% | 94 |
| Had to reduce your giving to church and charity because your own disposable income has gone down significantly | 17% | 240 |
| Caught yourself treating people differently because of their social status/income level | 19% | 269 |
| Experienced miraculous provision when you were in financial problems | 27% | 392 |
| Felt God convicting you that you need to give more time/money to the poor rather than spending it on yourself | 35% | 501 |
| Known that you were giving really sacrificially of your time or money in obedience to God | 36% | 510 |
| Felt guilty that you did not give money or time to someone in need when you were able to | 39% | 555 |
| Continued to give to your church or charities the amount you had tithed, promised or committed despite facing financial difficulties | 45% | 641 |
| Responded when you felt that God was prompting you to offer help, money or time to a particular person or situation to do with poverty | 64% | 921 |
| Please give some details | 90 | |
| answered question | 1436 | |
| skipped question | 171 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| Which charitable causes are closest to your heart? Please tick up to three | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Christian | 85.0% | 1231 |
| Overseas | 47.0% | 681 |
| Children | 32.9% | 476 |
| Poverty (UK) | 29.7% | 431 |
| Homelessness | 20.0% | 290 |
| Health/hospitals/hospices | 14.3% | 207 |
| Medical research | 12.5% | 181 |
| Other (please specify) | 11.5% | 167 |
| Environment | 11.0% | 160 |
| Disabled | 8.4% | 121 |
| Elderly | 5.9% | 85 |
| Animals | 5.7% | 83 |
| Arts | 1.3% | 19 |
| answered question | 1449 | |
| skipped question | 97 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| Which of the following means do you use most often when supporting a charity? Please tick up to four | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Regular donations (by standing order or direct debit) | 77.8% | 1128 |
| Praying | 60.4% | 875 |
| Donations of goods to charity shops | 49.4% | 716 |
| One-off cheque or online donations | 49.0% | 710 |
| Volunteering your time | 32.7% | 474 |
| Buying charity products/goods from charity shop | 30.2% | 438 |
| Sponsoring people | 30.0% | 434 |
| Cash donations | 24.0% | 348 |
| Organising fundraising events | 7.2% | 105 |
| Donations by text | 6.4% | 93 |
| Taking part in sponsored events | 6.1% | 88 |
| Charitable bequest in legacy | 4.7% | 68 |
| None of the above | 0.2% | 3 |
| Other (please specify) | 4.8% | 70 |
| answered question | 1449 | |
| skipped question | 97 | |
Poverty and wealth, economic and welfare policy..
In several of our surveys we asked the panel about their Christian attitudes and responses to poverty. The majority showed compassionate concern, though they were some way from a full blown "option for the poor" and reluctant to critique wealth in itself. While the majority did not accept a prosperity gospel 21% did agree or strongly agree that If a Christian is faithful and/or gives generously to God's work they will prosper economically.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||||||
| Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| It is every Christian's duty to help those in poverty. | 46% | 46% | 7% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| It is every Christian's duty to speak out for those in poverty. | 42% | 46% | 9% | 2% | 0% | 100% |
| Even if I lost all my savings and income I can trust that God would supply everything I need. | 40% | 49% | 9% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| Christians should avoid all forms of gambling. | 37% | 39% | 17% | 6% | 2% | 100% |
| Christians should make sensible financial investments to provide for their families and their own old age. | 28% | 61% | 10% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| I think it is important to take out insurance to cover the risk of loss of the things I own. | 18% | 59% | 16% | 6% | 1% | 100% |
| I believe that when Jesus said "blessed are the poor" he meant it literally - not just spiritually. | 18% | 32% | 28% | 18% | 4% | 100% |
| Speculation and taking risks on the financial markets is morally wrong. | 9% | 21% | 44% | 22% | 4% | 100% |
| Wealth is usually a real barrier to someone who seeks to follow Christ. | 6% | 30% | 40% | 19% | 4% | 100% |
| If a Christian is faithful and/or gives generously to God's work they will prosper economically. | 4% | 17% | 38% | 28% | 12% | 100% |
| answered question | 1079 | |||||
| skipped question | 58 | |||||
Views on welfare policy were divided with a small majority favouring a more generous approach from the state.
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| Which of these statements comes closest to your view? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| The welfare budget is too high and should be reduced | 22.4% | 331 |
| The welfare budget is about right | 33.6% | 496 |
| The welfare budget is too low and should be increased | 27.7% | 409 |
| Don't know | 16.3% | 240 |
| answered question | 1476 | |
| skipped question | 131 | |
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| Which of these statements comes closer to your view? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Britain's current welfare system has created a culture of dependency, whereby many people, and often whole families, get used to living off state benefits; the system needs to be radically changed to get such people to take more responsibility for their lives and their families | 38.4% | 566 |
| Most people who rely on welfare benefits are victims of circumstances beyond their control. The benefits they receive are far from generous, and are the least a civilised society should provide in order to help them and their families avoid abject poverty | 53.0% | 780 |
| Don't know | 8.6% | 127 |
| answered question | 1473 | |
| skipped question | 134 | |
| In terms of tackling UK poverty the emphasis of evangelicals was on education, enterprise, employment and stable families. There was widespread endorsement of church social action,some ambivalence over political action and a rejection of the neo-liberal approach of cutting welfare benefits to incentivise people to work.
Do you think the following are good ways to tackle poverty in the UK? Please tick one per row | |||||
| Answer Options | One of the best ways | A good way | Not sure | Not a good way | Response Count |
| Getting a good education | 52% | 44% | 4% | 1% |
|
| Developing strong businesses which offer employment | 47% | 49% | 4% | 0% |
|
| Debt advice and money management courses | 46% | 52% | 2% | 0% |
|
| Preventing family breakup | 45% | 45% | 9% | 1% |
|
| Training programmes that help people get decent jobs | 44% | 51% | 4% | 0% |
|
| The Church getting involved in social action | 37% | 55% | 6% | 2% |
|
| Sustained economic growth | 36% | 47% | 15% | 3% |
|
| Tackling addictions | 29% | 60% | 10% | 1% |
|
| Credit unions and other micro-finance schemes | 26% | 53% | 16% | 5% |
|
| Government policies to redistribute wealth | 25% | 36% | 25% | 14% |
|
| Removing the barriers to equal opportunities | 21% | 54% | 21% | 4% |
|
| A fairer and more generous benefits system | 14% | 36% | 33% | 16% |
|
| Organising poor communities to struggle for justice | 12% | 40% | 37% | 11% |
|
| Providing food, furniture and clothing through food banks and similar charities | 11% | 60% | 19% | 10% |
|
| Individuals working harder | 10% | 39% | 38% | 13% |
|
| Cutting welfare benefits as an incentive to get people into work | 4% | 17% | 33% | 46% |
|
| Other suggestions of ways to tackle poverty in the UK | 216 | ||||
| answered question | 1479 | ||||
| skipped question | 128 | ||||
|
In theological terms the panel appeared to hold social justice and personal responsibility in dynamic tension .
Poverty survey November 2014 | |||||||
| From your reading of the Bible how far do you agree... ? | |||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count | |
| We should work for justice for the poor | 60% | 36% | 3% | 0% | 0% |
| |
| God is on the side of the poor and the oppressed | 57% | 31% | 10% | 2% | 0% |
| |
| Everyone has a duty to work to support themselves and their family if they can | 50% | 46% | 3% | 0% | 0% |
| |
| God expects a more equal distribution of the world's resources | 48% | 37% | 12% | 3% | 1% |
| |
| We will be judged harshly if we neglect to care for the poor | 41% | 44% | 11% | 3% | 1% |
| |
| Spiritual poverty is a bigger problem than material poverty | 37% | 34% | 21% | 7% | 1% |
| |
| We should follow the example of Jesus and make most of our friendships among people who are poor and marginalised | 30% | 35% | 27% | 8% | 1% |
| |
| Our financial responsibility towards others is first to our family, then to fellow Christians in need and only then to poor people in the world | 6% | 25% | 23% | 34% | 12% |
| |
| We should do as Jesus said to the rich young ruler – sell all our possessions and give to the poor | 3% | 12% | 43% | 35% | 8% |
| |
| If we are faithful to God we will prosper materially | 2% | 9% | 30% | 34% | 25% |
| |
| The poor will always be with us, so there is not much hope of making an impact on poverty | 2% | 6% | 11% | 46% | 34% |
| |
| Other things you think the Bible tells us about poverty | 222 | ||||||
| answered question | 1467 | ||||||
| skipped question | 140 | ||||||
The table below suggests a political positioning which is broadly Centre – Left, yet with a majority acceptance of the "welfare dependency" narrative.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | ||||||
| Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| There is an unacceptable level of income inequality in the UK. | 39% | 43% | 13% | 4% | 1% |
|
| Some 'top' people are paid far too much. | 66% | 26% | 5% | 3% | 0% |
|
| The government should not cut benefit levels to people living below the poverty line. | 35% | 43% | 15% | 6% | 1% |
|
| The government should make sure that the richest people in the country pay high levels of tax. | 35% | 42% | 17% | 6% | 1% |
|
| Too many people have become dependent on state benefits and could do more to help themselves. | 21% | 48% | 20% | 9% | 1% |
|
| Cuts in public services at the present rate are causing too much hardship. | 20% | 34% | 29% | 14% | 3% |
|
| People I know have lost their jobs as a result of the recent recessions and public sector cuts. | 30% | 45% | 12% | 11% | 1% |
|
| No-one in the UK is really poor these days. | 3% | 13% | 14% | 45% | 25% |
|
| answered question | 1077 | |||||
| skipped question | 60 | |||||
If a Christian is faithful and/or gives generously to God's work they will prosper economically.q
| Poverty survey November 2014 | |||||||
| How far do you agree with the following statements? | |||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count | |
| God has provided enough resources on the earth for every person's need, but human greed makes some people poor | 51% | 42% | 5% | 2% | 0% | 100% | |
| Growing inequality is a major problem in the UK | 27% | 49% | 18% | 6% | 1% | 100% | |
| Compared with some overseas countries the UK is spiritually destitute | 25% | 52% | 17% | 6% | 1% | 100% | |
| Local churches should organise themselves to share their God-given wealth so that none of their members experience serious poverty | 18% | 58% | 20% | 4% | 0% | 100% | |
| In the UK our society and culture make poor people feel ashamed and worthless | 15% | 55% | 21% | 8% | 1% | 100% | |
| Churches in the UK are not very good at evangelising and discipling the poorest sections of society | 15% | 51% | 23% | 9% | 1% | 100% | |
| My church is already doing lots of good and effective work to tackle poverty in its local community | 9% | 37% | 32% | 20% | 3% | 100% | |
| We should assign as much (or more) of our monetary giving to help the poor as we do to the general work of our church | 8% | 32% | 43% | 16% | 1% | 100% | |
| Compared with some overseas countries there is no significant poverty in the UK | 7% | 32% | 19% | 34% | 7% | 100% | |
| The UK welfare state is a good model for less developed countries in that it provides an adequate safety net so that no one need face extreme poverty | 7% | 50% | 27% | 14% | 3% | 100% | |
| It is more important for churches to share the gospel with poor people they encounter than to meet their material needs | 4% | 10% | 32% | 46% | 9% | 100% | |
| Over the last few years my concern and giving of money and time has become more directed towards poverty in the UK rather than overseas | 3% | 18% | 31% | 43% | 5% | 100% | |
| The international community is making good progress in programmes to tackle global poverty | 1% | 14% | 43% | 35% | 7% | 100% | |
| answered question | 1443 | ||||||
| skipped question | 164 | ||||||
| Poverty survey November 2014 | |||||||
| How far do you agree that (in the UK)...? | |||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count | |
| Government should act to ensure large companies cannot avoid paying their taxes | 72% | 25% | 2% | 0% | 0% | 100% | |
| The government should take stronger action to limit high interest rates on products such as pay day loans | 63% | 32% | 3% | 1% | 0% | 100% | |
| Current government economic policy is hurting the poor more than the rich | 34% | 44% | 16% | 5% | 1% | 100% | |
| Poorer people often find they have to pay more than average for items such as fuel, food, domestic appliances and insurance | 26% | 46% | 19% | 9% | 1% | 100% | |
| Welfare reform policies are having a negative impact on people who are disabled or sick | 23% | 43% | 26% | 6% | 1% | 100% | |
| Economic policy is failing to raise most people's income to meet the increased cost of living | 18% | 51% | 22% | 8% | 0% | 100% | |
| The government is right to withdraw benefit payments if people cannot prove that they are willing to work | 10% | 46% | 26% | 14% | 4% | 100% | |
| Government is right to ask charities, communities and churches to deliver a greater proportion of welfare provision and support to people in need | 4% | 31% | 31% | 29% | 5% | 100% | |
| The "bedroom tax" or "removal of the spare room subsidy" is a reasonable policy to address housing issues | 4% | 17% | 21% | 34% | 24% | 100% | |
| UK governments have a good record on policies to tackle global poverty | 3% | 32% | 38% | 21% | 6% | 100% | |
| Welfare reform policies are being successful in encouraging more people to take responsibility and get into jobs | 2% | 24% | 42% | 25% | 7% | 100% | |
| Current government economic policy is working well to produce a more prosperous future for all | 1% | 14% | 36% | 33% | 16% | 100% | |
| The government understands the needs of people who are carers for their family members and offers adequate help | 1% | 8% | 29% | 46% | 16% | 100% | |
Perceived Causes of Poverty:
When asked about causes of poverty locally and overseas there is a huge contrast, indeed a mirror image, between the understanding of structural and systemic poverty in the Global South and an acceptance of the narrative of personal irresponsibility for people facing poverty in the UK.
| What do you think are the top five causes of poverty in your neighbourhood, in the UK and in less developed countries? Please tick up to five in each column | ||||
| Answer Options | In my neighbourhood | In the UK as a whole | In less developed countries | Response Count |
| Corruption | 4% | 12% | 97% |
|
| Unfair trade structures or practices | 6% | 13% | 96% |
|
| Racism, sexism or other forms of discrimination | 11% | 30% | 84% |
|
| Educational inequality | 21% | 33% | 84% |
|
| Inequality or social injustice | 20% | 37% | 90% |
|
| Lack of economic growth | 28% | 37% | 70% |
|
| Inadequate government or community provision for the vulnerable | 33% | 45% | 76% |
|
| Low pay | 53% | 59% | 69% |
|
| Caring responsibilities or personal disability or poor health | 57% | 62% | 37% |
|
| Lack of employment | 54% | 64% | 52% |
|
| Excessive interest rates on loans | 41% | 67% | 33% |
|
| High cost of living | 70% | 68% | 12% |
|
| Laziness | 49% | 75% | 11% |
|
| Addictions | 61% | 76% | 14% |
|
| Poor management of household budgets | 74% | 77% | 5% |
|
| Family breakdown | 76% | 80% | 7% |
|
| Personal debt | 71% | 82% | 7% |
|
| Welfare dependency | 55% | 84% | 3% |
|
| answered question | 1485 | |||
| skipped question | 122 | |||
Consumer patterns
In several of our surveys we asked about patterns of consumption and one of them specifically concentrated on ethical consumerism. We will not offer commentary on the following set of tables other than to suggest that the overall pattern suggests that most evangelicals follow the usual British norms for affluent middle class people as consumers, though their spending is tempered by a modest and sober rejection of ostentation and a growing commitment to fair trade principles and social and environmental responsibility.
| 21st Century Evangelicals May 2012 - Money Matters | |||||
| When buying food, goods or services how often do you | |||||
| Answer Options | Whenever it is possible | Often | Sometimes | Never | Response Count |
| Try to find the best bargain | 43% | 44% | 12% | 0% |
|
| Choose to buy something for ethical reasons such as fair trade or the practices of a company | 27% | 33% | 37% | 2% |
|
| Purchase online because it is cheaper | 16% | 37% | 41% | 6% |
|
| Choose to buy something for environmental reasons such as food miles or carbon footprint | 15% | 20% | 50% | 15% |
|
| Purchase online because you don't have to go out to the shops to find exactly what you want | 14% | 39% | 41% | 6% |
|
| Choose to deal with a firm because you know it is run by Christians | 11% | 19% | 58% | 11% |
|
| Use charity shops because they are cheaper | 11% | 17% | 49% | 24% |
|
| Use charity shops because you like to support a good cause | 9% | 21% | 55% | 15% |
|
| answered question | 1121 | ||||
| skipped question | 16 | ||||
Housing
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| Which of the following phrases describe your home? Please tick all that apply | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Owned outright | 49.4% | 717 |
| Buying it with a mortgage or loan | 29.3% | 425 |
| Rented from a private landlord | 9.0% | 130 |
| Rented from a Council or Housing Association | 2.6% | 37 |
| Rent-free accommodation | 6.5% | 94 |
| A detached house | 30.7% | 445 |
| A semi-detached house | 26.4% | 383 |
| A terraced house | 13.0% | 189 |
| A flat or maisonette | 7.3% | 106 |
| Three bedrooms | 29.4% | 427 |
| Four bedrooms | 27.5% | 399 |
| Two bedrooms | 10.4% | 151 |
| More than four bedrooms | 10.0% | 145 |
| Single bedroom | 3.0% | 44 |
| One room or a bedsit | 0.6% | 9 |
| Other (please specify) | 82 | |
| answered question | 1450 | |
| skipped question | 96 | |
| Poverty survey November 2014 | ||
| Which of the following best describes the place where you live? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Economically average or mixed small town | 16.0% | 255 |
| Economically average or mixed suburban neighbourhood | 15.9% | 254 |
| Economically average or mixed urban neighbourhood | 12.6% | 201 |
| Affluent suburban neighbourhood | 11.2% | 178 |
| Economically average or mixed rural area or village | 10.6% | 169 |
| Affluent small town | 8.6% | 137 |
| Affluent rural area or village | 6.0% | 95 |
| Deprived urban neighbourhood | 5.8% | 93 |
| Affluent urban neighbourhood | 4.0% | 64 |
| Deprived small town | 3.9% | 62 |
| Deprived suburban neighbourhood | 2.4% | 38 |
| Deprived rural area or village | 1.2% | 19 |
| Other (please specify) | 1.9% | 30 |
| answered question | 1595 | |
| skipped question | 12 | |
Transport
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | ||
| For everyday transport do you drive (or have access to) your own vehicle? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Yes - own car nearly always available to drive | 71.6% | 986 |
| Yes - there is a car available to the household or family | 19.3% | 266 |
| No | 9.1% | 125 |
| answered question | 1377 | |
| skipped question | 92 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| How many cars are available to your household? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| None | 6.4% | 93 |
| 1 | 48.1% | 701 |
| 2 | 38.5% | 560 |
| 3 or more | 7.0% | 102 |
| answered question | 1456 | |
| skipped question | 90 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| Thinking now about the best vehicle in your household, is it...? Please tick all of the following descriptions which apply | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| A standard family car | 59.6% | 806 |
| Bought second hand | 56.9% | 770 |
| A small car such as a mini | 23.1% | 312 |
| One you bought new | 22.3% | 302 |
| A large 4x4 or people carrier | 11.8% | 159 |
| Worn out and about to die | 9.9% | 134 |
| A high performance or luxury car | 4.6% | 62 |
| A lease car | 3.5% | 47 |
| A company car | 3.3% | 45 |
| Other (please specify) | 87 | |
| answered question | 1353 | |
| skipped question | 193 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||||
| Do you frequently use any of the following means of transport? | ||||
| Answer Options | Yes, by preference over alternatives | Yes, but only by necessity | Very rarely or never | Response Count |
| Walking | 59% | 32% | 9% |
|
| Drive a car | 56% | 35% | 9% |
|
| Local bus | 24% | 32% | 44% |
|
| Intercity rail | 22% | 25% | 53% |
|
| Local or commuter rail services | 21% | 28% | 52% |
|
| International flights | 19% | 33% | 48% |
|
| Cycling | 19% | 9% | 72% |
|
| Tube (London Underground) | 15% | 24% | 61% |
|
| Flights within the UK | 5% | 13% | 82% |
|
| Tram or Metro | 5% | 9% | 86% |
|
| Long distance coach | 5% | 11% | 84% |
|
| answered question | 1461 | |||
| skipped question | 85 | |||
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | ||
| For transport to work do you usually commute using public transport? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Yes | 12.3% | 168 |
| No - even though there is a viable public transport service available | 6.6% | 90 |
| No - I drive because there is no viable alternative | 27.7% | 379 |
| No - I cycle or walk to work | 11.2% | 153 |
| I don't need to travel to work at all | 42.3% | 579 |
| answered question | 1369 | |
| skipped question | 100 | |
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | ||||
| Over the past 12 months have you ever chosen modes of transport specifically because they are environmentally-friendly, even if less convenient or more expensive? | ||||
| Answer Options | often | sometimes | never in last 12 months | Response Count |
| avoided air travel | 11% | 16% | 73% | 100% |
| car-shared | 12% | 38% | 50% | 100% |
| cycled | 15% | 17% | 68% | 100% |
| avoided using your car | 21% | 52% | 26% | 100% |
| caught a bus | 23% | 42% | 34% | 100% |
| used the train | 24% | 45% | 31% | 100% |
| walked | 47% | 39% | 14% | 100% |
| Other (please specify) | 88 | |||
| answered question | 1368 | |||
| skipped question | 101 | |||
Sunday Trading
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | ||||||
| How far do you agree... ? | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| All workers should have the right to take some time off if they wish to worship on Sundays (or other day of religious observance) at least every fortnight. | 66% | 26% | 5% | 2% | 1% | 100% |
| No one should be required to work regularly on Sundays unless they freely choose to do so, or are employed in vital services such as policing or health | 58% | 32% | 6% | 3% | 1% | 100% |
| Workers would face unacceptable pressure to work longer if there were longer shopping hours on Sunday | 47% | 36% | 10% | 5% | 1% | 100% |
| Everyone in society would benefit if Sunday was a special quiet day without much work or shopping | 44% | 39% | 12% | 4% | 1% | 100% |
| I can't see how longer shopping hours on Sunday would help the economy | 42% | 33% | 14% | 9% | 3% | 100% |
| I personally try to avoid shopping on Sunday | 39% | 38% | 13% | 8% | 2% | 100% |
| I would like to see much tighter restrictions on Sunday trading | 26% | 32% | 26% | 12% | 4% | 100% |
| Christians should avoid doing their shopping on Sundays | 23% | 36% | 30% | 8% | 3% | 100% |
| It is a good idea to allow councils rather than national government to decide on Sunday trading restrictions for their local area | 5% | 19% | 34% | 25% | 17% | 100% |
| I think it is a good idea to allow large shops to open for longer hours on Sundays | 2% | 3% | 15% | 37% | 42% | 100% |
| There should be no special restrictions on Sunday trading | 2% | 4% | 12% | 35% | 46% | 100% |
| answered question | 1370 | |||||
| skipped question | 99 | |||||
Shopping
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| Which of the following food retailers do you use for your purchase of food and household items? Please tick up to three that you use most often. | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Tesco | 55.3% | 805 |
| Sainsbury's | 48.5% | 707 |
| Co-operative | 28.6% | 417 |
| Morrisons | 27.7% | 404 |
| Aldi | 24.0% | 350 |
| Asda | 23.5% | 342 |
| Lidl | 22.7% | 331 |
| Waitrose | 19.3% | 281 |
| Marks & Spencer | 16.5% | 241 |
| Your local corner shop | 14.8% | 215 |
| Small independent or specialist shops | 14.6% | 213 |
| Iceland | 7.8% | 114 |
| Market stalls | 7.7% | 112 |
| Spar | 2.4% | 35 |
| Farm Foods | 2.3% | 33 |
| Booths | 1.6% | 23 |
| Budgens | 1.3% | 19 |
| Londis | 0.4% | 6 |
| Other (please specify) | 3.9% | 57 |
| answered question | 1457 | |
| skipped question | 89 | |
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | ||||||
| Do you buy any of the following fairtrade (certified) products? | ||||||
| Answer Options | by preference when available | often | sometimes | never buy the fair trade version | would never want or use this | Response Count |
| bananas | 52% | 17% | 21% | 7% | 3% | 100% |
| coffee | 51% | 12% | 23% | 10% | 4% | 100% |
| tea | 43% | 13% | 26% | 14% | 4% | 100% |
| chocolate | 32% | 18% | 38% | 9% | 3% | 100% |
| dolphin-friendly tuna | 30% | 14% | 23% | 17% | 16% | 100% |
| certified sustainable timber or rainforest products | 20% | 16% | 39% | 14% | 11% | 100% |
| other foodstuffs | 19% | 17% | 54% | 9% | 1% | 100% |
| craft products | 9% | 13% | 54% | 13% | 11% | 100% |
| clothing | 8% | 7% | 57% | 27% | 2% | 100% |
| wine | 6% | 8% | 33% | 29% | 24% | 100% |
| answered question | 1398 | |||||
| skipped question | 71 | |||||
Leisure
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| Which of the following leisure pursuits and activities do you take part in when you have free time? Please tick up to six that you most often enjoy | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Reading | 65.7% | 958 |
| Walking/rambling | 44.3% | 646 |
| Eating out | 43.3% | 631 |
| Listening to music | 39.6% | 577 |
| Films | 35.8% | 522 |
| Gardening | 31.6% | 461 |
| Historic houses and sites | 29.4% | 428 |
| Cooking | 27.2% | 396 |
| Art galleries and museums | 26.4% | 385 |
| Online social media | 24.1% | 352 |
| Theatre/drama | 22.4% | 326 |
| Creative arts and crafts | 18.0% | 262 |
| Watching sport | 17.6% | 256 |
| Wildlife/nature reserves | 15.1% | 220 |
| Pets or animals | 14.7% | 215 |
| Exercise classes or gym | 14.5% | 211 |
| Photography | 14.4% | 210 |
| Swimming | 14.4% | 210 |
| Computer games | 14.3% | 209 |
| Music (performing) | 13.6% | 199 |
| Cycling | 13.2% | 193 |
| DIY | 11.2% | 164 |
| Shopping | 11.2% | 164 |
| Visits to child-friendly attractions | 9.1% | 132 |
| Playing sport | 8.0% | 117 |
| Family history research | 7.6% | 111 |
| Railways | 5.4% | 79 |
| Pubs and clubs | 4.6% | 67 |
| Boating | 2.9% | 43 |
| Motor vehicles | 2.6% | 38 |
| Fishing | 1.6% | 23 |
| I rarely get enough free time for this sort of thing | 7.7% | 112 |
| Other (please specify) | 9.7% | 141 |
| answered question | 1458 | |
| skipped question | 88 | |
Holidays
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| How much time in total did you take in 2014 for holidays or short breaks away from home? | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| I was away on holiday for a total of between one and three weeks | 42.9% | 625 |
| I was away on holiday for a total of three weeks or more | 38.8% | 566 |
| I was away on holiday for one week or less | 11.3% | 165 |
| I didn't go away on holiday at all | 6.9% | 101 |
| answered question | 1457 | |
| skipped question | 89 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||||
| Have you in the last 10 years taken the following types of holiday? | ||||
| Answer Options | Several times | Once or twice | Not at all | Response Count |
| Rented self-catering accommodation | 43% | 33% | 24% |
|
| Staying in the home of friends or family members | 43% | 31% | 26% |
|
| Staycation – just taking some day trips from home | 30% | 37% | 33% |
|
| In a UK seaside resort | 32% | 35% | 33% |
|
| Short city break | 20% | 44% | 35% |
|
| Christian festival-type event (eg Spring Harvest, Soul Survivor) | 38% | 26% | 36% |
|
| In a national park or remote area in the UK | 27% | 35% | 38% |
|
| Camping or caravaning | 27% | 18% | 54% |
|
| Package holiday to a European/Mediterranean resort | 12% | 25% | 62% |
|
| Long-haul intercontinental flight to a tourist hotspot | 9% | 25% | 67% |
|
| Christian holiday centre or hotel | 8% | 24% | 67% |
|
| Touring holiday (by coach, car, bike etc) | 8% | 20% | 72% |
|
| Cruise | 5% | 12% | 84% |
|
| Secular festival-type event (eg Glastonbury) | 1% | 4% | 95% |
|
| Other (please specify) | 120 | |||
| answered question | 1450 | |||
| skipped question | 96 | |||
Ethical Consumerism
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | |||||
| How recently have you personally done any of the following? | |||||
| Answer Options | within the last month | within the last year | at least once in my life | never | Response Count |
| chosen to buy a product or service specifically because you know it was produced fairly and ethically | 37% | 38% | 20% | 5% | 100% |
| boycotted a particular company because of their practices | 18% | 28% | 42% | 12% | 100% |
| chosen to do business with a co-operative or a mutual rather than a private company | 12% | 23% | 33% | 32% | 100% |
| boycotted a product or service because you were offended by the way it was advertised | 10% | 29% | 41% | 20% | 100% |
| bought a product simply on its low price even though you suspected it was produced or sold in an unethical way | 9% | 28% | 43% | 20% | 100% |
| chosen to have work done in your home by a Christian tradesperson or business in preference to others | 8% | 26% | 41% | 26% | 100% |
| invested money in your home to make it more fuel efficient / reduce carbon emissions (e.g. insulation, solar panels, more efficient heating system) | 8% | 31% | 47% | 14% | 100% |
| taken part in a trade boycott of products from a country with an oppressive regime | 5% | 13% | 43% | 39% | 100% |
| chosen to move money to a more ethical form of investment | 5% | 17% | 37% | 42% | 100% |
| paid a self-employed trades-person in cash because it was cheaper, though you suspected that this allowed them to avoid paying tax | 2% | 11% | 49% | 39% | 100% |
| Please feel free to give some details | 135 | ||||
| answered question | 1386 | ||||
| skipped question | 83 | ||||
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | |||||||
| How far do you agree... ? | |||||||
| Answer Options |
| Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| Christians should always pay all the taxes that are due. |
| 71% | 27% | 2% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Human beings have a God-given responsibility to take better care of creation and the environment. |
| 61% | 35% | 3% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| The Bible teaches us to be content with what we have and not to desire more material possessions. |
| 51% | 41% | 7% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| The Bible teaches us to pray and struggle for economic and social justice. |
| 48% | 43% | 7% | 2% | 0% | 100% |
| Christians have an important role to play in developing and running ethical business enterprises. |
| 39% | 52% | 8% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| Christians should be campaigning more strongly on issues of political corruption and oppression. |
| 37% | 48% | 13% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| Greed for material possessions is one of the greatest sins of our time. |
| 37% | 44% | 14% | 4% | 1% | 100% |
| Christians should be campaigning more strongly on issues of international economic justice. |
| 33% | 49% | 15% | 2% | 1% | 100% |
| As Christians we should seek to spend our money in ways which bring maximum benefit to people in need. |
| 28% | 56% | 14% | 1% | 1% | 100% |
| Living as a Christian in our consumer culture presents complex ethical choices - we will never get it completely right. |
| 27% | 60% | 9% | 3% | 0% | 100% |
| Christians should be campaigning more strongly on issues of environmental concern. |
| 26% | 44% | 24% | 4% | 2% | 100% |
| There is nothing wrong with enjoying material things God has provided for us. |
| 23% | 61% | 12% | 3% | 1% | 100% |
| "Christian" industries such as music and publishing don't seem much different to the secular world in the way they market their wares. |
| 9% | 37% | 41% | 11% | 1% | 100% |
| It is hard to see how my small contribution in living more simply could make a significant difference to the global environment. |
| 4% | 21% | 18% | 44% | 13% | 100% |
| I often find I am praying about whether it is right to buy particular things. |
| 4% | 21% | 38% | 31% | 7% | 100% |
| I get tired of hearing Christians go on about all the so-called injustices in this world - it's nothing more than political correctness. |
| 2% | 3% | 17% | 37% | 40% | 100% |
| answered question | 1356 | ||||||
| skipped question | 113 | ||||||
Mass Media
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| Which of the following popular TV programmes do you like to watch? Please tick up to six of your favourtites | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| Call The Midwife | 39.0% | 559 |
| Downton Abbey | 36.6% | 524 |
| Have I Got News for You? | 35.7% | 511 |
| Sherlock | 35.0% | 501 |
| The Great British Bake Off | 28.5% | 409 |
| Country File | 28.2% | 404 |
| Strictly Come Dancing | 24.6% | 353 |
| Doctor Who | 21.6% | 310 |
| Antiques Roadshow | 21.4% | 307 |
| The Apprentice | 19.9% | 285 |
| Newsnight | 17.7% | 254 |
| Panorama | 17.4% | 250 |
| The Voice UK | 13.7% | 196 |
| Casualty | 12.3% | 176 |
| Christian TV channels | 10.7% | 153 |
| Holby City | 7.5% | 107 |
| The X Factor | 6.3% | 90 |
| Mrs Brown's Boys | 5.4% | 78 |
| None of the above | 4.7% | 68 |
| I'm a Celebrity | 3.6% | 51 |
| I never watch TV | 3.6% | 51 |
| Coronation Street | 3.3% | 47 |
| Eastenders | 3.2% | 46 |
| Emmerdale | 1.7% | 24 |
| Other (please specify) | 269 | |
| answered question | 1433 | |
| skipped question | 113 | |
| 21st Century Evangelicals survey February 2015 | ||
| Which of the following radio stations (if any) do you frequently listen to? Please tick up to six | ||
| Answer Options | Response Percent | Response Count |
| BBC Radio 4 | 57.5% | 823 |
| Classic FM | 35.7% | 511 |
| BBC Radio 2 | 24.2% | 347 |
| UCB | 17.8% | 255 |
| Premier Radio | 15.8% | 226 |
| BBC Radio 5 Live | 15.5% | 222 |
| BBC Local Radio | 14.0% | 200 |
| BBC Radio 3 | 10.0% | 143 |
| Other (please specify) | 9.1% | 130 |
| Heart | 7.7% | 110 |
| None of the above | 7.7% | 110 |
| BBC Radio 4 Extra | 6.4% | 91 |
| BBC Radio 1 | 5.3% | 76 |
| BBC World Service | 5.2% | 75 |
| Smooth Radio | 5.0% | 71 |
| BBC Radio Scotland | 3.7% | 53 |
| Talksport | 2.7% | 39 |
| Absolute Radio | 2.0% | 29 |
| BBC Radio 6 Music | 2.0% | 28 |
| LBC | 1.8% | 26 |
| Capital FM | 1.5% | 22 |
| Planet Rock | 1.2% | 17 |
| Kiss | 0.8% | 12 |
| Kerrang! | 0.2% | 3 |
| BBC Radio 1Xtra | 0.0% | 0 |
| answered question | 1431 | |
| skipped question | 115 | |
Christmas
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | ||||||
| How far do you agree... ? | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| Through spending heavily over Christmas I usually run up debts for the new year. | 1% | 4% | 6% | 31% | 59% |
|
| Oliver Cromwell was right - Christmas should be banned. | 2% | 1% | 7% | 33% | 57% |
|
| I often find I spend more than I ought to over Christmas. | 3% | 24% | 22% | 37% | 14% |
|
| I find the Christmas period particularly painful or depressing. | 4% | 10% | 20% | 37% | 29% |
|
| I often invite people who are lonely or struggling to share Christmas in our household. | 6% | 23% | 32% | 30% | 8% |
|
| I always make a special effort around Christmas to donate to charities and Christian causes. | 14% | 36% | 32% | 14% | 4% |
|
| I try to celebrate Christmas with very simple festivities and an inexpensive pattern of spending. | 16% | 45% | 23% | 15% | 1% |
|
| I think the consumer focus of Christmas in today's culture makes it impossible for people to appreciate the importance of the birth of Jesus. | 21% | 42% | 17% | 18% | 2% |
|
| I usually celebrate Christmas in the traditional British way - food, family, presents, decorations etc. | 31% | 58% | 8% | 2% | 1% |
|
| I find the emphasis on shopping and spending in the months before Christmas oppressive. | 33% | 45% | 15% | 6% | 2% |
|
| Business exploits the "pester power" of children at Christmas time in cynical / dangerous / unhealthy ways. | 33% | 50% | 14% | 2% | 1% |
|
| I try to celebrate Christmas above all as a celebration of the birth of Jesus, with thanksgiving, worship and prayer. | 53% | 39% | 6% | 1% | 1% |
|
| Please feel free to comment | 139 | |||||
| answered question | 1341 | |||||
Ethical Concerns
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | |||||
| How concerned are you about each of the following ? Please tick one per row | |||||
| Answer Options | taking some action or campaigning about it | somewhat concerned | not very concerned | not at all concerned | Response Count |
| people-trafficking and modern slavery | 46% | 54% | 1% | 0% | 100% |
| international trade injustice | 27% | 61% | 10% | 2% | 100% |
| cheap goods produced by cheap labour | 27% | 62% | 10% | 1% | 100% |
| carbon emissions and global warming | 26% | 51% | 18% | 5% | 100% |
| tax avoidance by multinational companies | 24% | 65% | 9% | 2% | 100% |
| employment on less than the living wage | 23% | 67% | 9% | 1% | 100% |
| the way sexualised images and language are used in advertising | 21% | 70% | 8% | 0% | 100% |
| bribery and corruption in global businesses | 20% | 70% | 9% | 1% | 100% |
| supermarkets' contracts with British farmers | 20% | 63% | 14% | 2% | 100% |
| deregulated Sunday trading | 19% | 55% | 21% | 5% | 100% |
| products that degrade the environment (e.g. palm oil, cattle ranches, rainforest timber) | 19% | 57% | 22% | 3% | 100% |
| UK trade with oppressive regimes | 18% | 71% | 10% | 2% | 100% |
| excessive food miles | 14% | 55% | 26% | 6% | 100% |
| the arms trade | 14% | 67% | 17% | 2% | 100% |
| promotion of gambling | 13% | 72% | 14% | 1% | 100% |
| promotion of tobacco | 11% | 62% | 25% | 3% | 100% |
| promotion of alcohol | 7% | 58% | 29% | 5% | 100% |
| answered question | 1410 | ||||
| skipped question | 59 | ||||
Advertising
| Ethical Consumerism November 2015 | ||||||
| How far do you agree... ? | ||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count |
| If I get a marketing cold phone call I usually just say no or hang up. | 63% | 31% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 100% |
| There should be stricter controls on using sexualised or degrading images in advertising. | 60% | 34% | 5% | 1% | 1% | 100% |
| The advertising of some services and products (tobacco, alcohol, gambling, sexual services) should be totally banned. | 38% | 37% | 17% | 8% | 2% | 100% |
| I try to resist most of the advertising messages I encounter. | 33% | 49% | 15% | 3% | 1% | 100% |
| Too many advertisers target their messages towards children. | 27% | 50% | 20% | 2% | 0% | 100% |
| Christian ministries should have more freedom to advertise the offer of the gospel. | 25% | 43% | 28% | 3% | 1% | 100% |
| Consumerism is eroding family and community life. | 25% | 51% | 20% | 4% | 1% | 100% |
| It is worth paying a bit more in order to support ethical businesses. | 24% | 63% | 10% | 1% | 1% | 100% |
| I find personally targeted online advertising disturbing. | 22% | 41% | 23% | 11% | 3% | 100% |
| The advertising industry should be more tightly regulated. | 21% | 46% | 27% | 5% | 1% | 100% |
| The volume of advertising in our culture is on balance making us more unhappy. | 21% | 52% | 22% | 4% | 1% | 100% |
| There is far too much advertising in our society - it should be legally restricted. | 12% | 31% | 39% | 15% | 3% | 100% |
| I think advertising is in general an unethical industry. | 11% | 33% | 40% | 15% | 2% | 100% |
| I can rarely afford to buy anything other than the cheapest goods available, even if I know they are produced through the exploitation and suffering of other people. | 2% | 9% | 22% | 47% | 19% | 100% |
| I feel under pressure to consume in order to give my family / children a similar lifestyle to their peers. | 2% | 16% | 27% | 36% | 20% | 100% |
| I feel under pressure to consume in order to match the lifestyle of other people in my social circles. | 1% | 11% | 17% | 41% | 30% | 100% |
| I know I am deeply influenced by advertising on TV. | 1% | 6% | 18% | 43% | 32% | 100% |
| answered question | 1344 | |||||
| skipped question | 125 | |||||
Inter Generational Inequality
Our February 2016 survey touched on a number of economic aspects of the gap between the baby boomer generation and millennials and showed there was much concern about this, both in terms of care of the elderly and prospects for the future. Again these tables will appear without much commentary.
| From Generation to Generation - February 2016 | |||||||
| How far do you agree... ? | |||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count | SA + A |
| Care workers should be paid at least the full living wage including time taken travelling. | 50% | 44% | 4% | 1% | 0% | 100% | 94% |
| All frail elderly people are entitled to high quality health and social care at the end of their lives. | 47% | 45% | 7% | 1% | 0% | 100% | 92% |
| Churches should be actively involved in supporting and improving the care of elderly people. | 30% | 58% | 11% | 1% | 0% | 100% | 87% |
| Elderly people who need care should make a reasonable contribution to the cost up to a fixed limit. | 8% | 64% | 19% | 8% | 1% | 100% | 72% |
| Much of the care support for the elderly on offer today is inadequate. | 23% | 48% | 22% | 6% | 1% | 100% | 71% |
| Over the next 50 years, younger people will need to work very hard and pay high taxes just to support an older generation who can't provide for their personal care. | 10% | 54% | 28% | 7% | 1% | 100% | 64% |
| Families should take the main responsibility for caring for elderly people. | 10% | 50% | 32% | 8% | 1% | 100% | 60% |
| When elderly people need social care and support it should be provided free of charge by the state. | 12% | 33% | 33% | 20% | 2% | 100% | 45% |
| Please add any comments | 184 | ||||||
| answered question | 1530 | ||||||
| skipped question | 155 | ||||||
| From Generation to Generation - February 2016 | |||||||
| How far do you agree... ? | |||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count | SA+ A |
| It's not right that students have to go into considerable debt if they want a university education. | 31% | 40% | 16% | 10% | 2% |
| 71% |
| Life will be more precarious for millenials than for the boomer generation. | 15% | 54% | 22% | 7% | 1% |
| 69% |
| Many young adult's hopes of owning a home will depend on finance or inheritance from their parents or grandparents - I don't think that is fair. | 17% | 47% | 23% | 12% | 2% |
| 63% |
| I find it a problem that today's graduates need to take up unpaid or low paid internships before they can get a "proper" job. | 18% | 45% | 20% | 15% | 2% |
| 63% |
| It is important to be able to leave one's estate to the next generation without being subject to large amounts of inheritance tax. | 18% | 41% | 23% | 13% | 5% |
| 59% |
| All generations are much the same in what they want out of life. | 7% | 49% | 24% | 19% | 2% |
| 55% |
| The older generation have over consumed resources without much concern for the future of the planet. | 12% | 43% | 23% | 18% | 4% |
| 55% |
| Families are damaged when the different generations end up living far away from each other. | 7% | 43% | 34% | 14% | 1% |
| 50% |
| The baby boomer generation have profited from investment in home ownership to the disadvantage of the next generations. | 13% | 34% | 30% | 21% | 3% |
| 46% |
| Many of the older generation have pensions and other benefits that are over generous. | 5% | 21% | 29% | 37% | 7% |
| 26% |
| Boomers are very likely to spend on themselves instead of saving for their kid's inheritance. | 2% | 16% | 38% | 39% | 5% |
| 18% |
| Future generations will have a happier, healthier and more prosperous life experience than mine. | 1% | 5% | 43% | 44% | 7% |
| 5% |
| answered question | 1538 | ||||||
| skipped question | 147 | ||||||
| From Generation to Generation - February 2016 | |||||||
| In terms of your impression of the differences between the "baby boomers" generation (people born before 1960) and the millennial generation (born since 1990) how far do you agree... ? | |||||||
| Answer Options | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | Response Count | SA + A |
| Millennials have more freedom than boomers had in terms of their moral and lifestyle choices. | 27% | 54% | 12% | 5% | 1% |
| 82% |
| Millennials are more fortunate than boomers in their easy access to and understanding of information and communications technology. | 25% | 47% | 20% | 7% | 2% |
| 71% |
| Millennials are more concerned about the environment than boomers ever were. | 13% | 53% | 22% | 10% | 2% |
| 66% |
| Millennials are more likely to end up in poverty and debt than boomers ever were. | 13% | 47% | 29% | 10% | 1% |
| 60% |
| Boomers tend to have more conservative social and political attitudes than millennials. | 9% | 49% | 28% | 12% | 1% |
| 59% |
| Millennials are less likely to achieve a stable and happy family life than boomers generally did. | 10% | 47% | 30% | 11% | 2% |
| 57% |
| Boomers generally had happier childhoods than millennials. | 8% | 33% | 46% | 12% | 1% |
| 41% |
| Boomers generally had better career options than millennials. | 8% | 31% | 30% | 28% | 4% |
| 39% |
| Millennials are more fortunate than boomers in growing up in a more diverse society. | 5% | 31% | 40% | 19% | 4% |
| 37% |
| Boomers in general did an excellent job in raising their children. | 4% | 32% | 52% | 11% | 1% |
| 36% |
| Millennials are more committed to social justice than boomers ever were. | 4% | 30% | 40% | 23% | 3% |
| 34% |
| Millennials in general are just as involved in and caring for the older genrations of their family as boomers ever were. | 2% | 27% | 38% | 28% | 5% |
| 29% |
| Boomers were generally more privileged than millennials. | 6% | 22% | 38% | 29% | 5% |
| 28% |
| Millennials have better music and entertainment than boomers ever had. | 5% | 20% | 37% | 28% | 9% |
| 26% |
| Boomers on average are likely to live longer and healthier lives than millennials. | 4% | 21% | 45% | 26% | 3% |
| 25% |
| Boomers had more educational opportunities than millennials. | 6% | 15% | 20% | 48% | 12% |
| 21% |
| answered question | 1559 | ||||||
| skipped question | 126 | ||||||
Parents hopes for their offspring's future prioritise faith and marriage over finance and comfort.
| From Generation to Generation - February 2016 | ||||||||||
| What are your hopes and prayers for your children (and grandchildren)?Please rank these items by ticking only one in each column | ||||||||||
| Answer Options | 1 Most important of all | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 least important | Response Count | |
| a good and long lasting marriage | 4% | 37% | 23% | 14% | 11% | 6% | 4% | 2% |
| |
| a family of their own | 1% | 4% | 13% | 18% | 21% | 21% | 16% | 7% |
| |
| a fulfilling career or vocation | 1% | 8% | 18% | 22% | 23% | 18% | 8% | 3% |
| |
| financial security | 1% | 4% | 7% | 13% | 15% | 20% | 34% | 6% |
| |
| good personal health and wellbeing | 6% | 36% | 22% | 16% | 9% | 7% | 3% | 1% |
| |
| making a significant contribution to society | 2% | 15% | 20% | 18% | 15% | 13% | 11% | 6% |
| |
| a comfortable home in a nice neighbourhood | 1% | 1% | 2% | 4% | 6% | 10% | 17% | 58% |
| |
| to be faithful followers of Christ | 89% | 5% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| |
| Other things you would long and pray for them (please specify) | 221 | |||||||||
| answered question | 1236 | |||||||||
| skipped question | 449 | |||||||||
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