Eight in 10 New Yorkers say homelessness is a major problem both locally and nationally. An overwhelming majority considers shelter to be a basic human right, and two-thirds say people are homeless because of circumstances beyond their control. Affordable housing is named as the chief concern facing New York City, and more than one-third say they feel personally vulnerable to becoming homeless.
Research Studies: Economy, Workforce & Wellfare
Compassion, Concern and Conflicted Feelings: New Yorkers on Homelessness and Housing
A Few Bad Apples?: An Exploratory Look at What Typical Americans Think about Business Ethics Today
In focus groups conducted in collaboration with The Kettering Foundation, Public Agenda found that citizens define business ethics more broadly than executives do. When typical citizens talk about business ethics, they cite executives who enrich themselves while driving their companies into the ground. Protecting employees' jobs, they say, should be a top ethical priority. When executives talk about ethics, they are concerned about the damage recent scandals have done to business' reputation and the need to restore public trust.
Now That I'm Here: What America's Immigrants Have to Say About Life in the U.S. Today
A survey of immigrants finds an overwhelming majority committed to working hard and staying off government assistance. Almost nine in 10 say it's extremely important for immigrants to learn English and their views on bilingual education are similar to the general public. A majority has a favorable view of the INS, although they express frustration with immigration bureaucracy. Three-quarters say the government has become stricter with immigrants since Sept. 11 and six in 10 say there is at least some anti-immigrant discrimination in the U.S.
Miles to Go: A Status Report on Americans' Plans for Retirement
A follow-up to the 1994 study Promises to Keep, this new study explores how Americans view retirement; what they see as their own responsibilities; and what policies and programs might encourage them to better plan for retirement. Based on a national survey of not-retired individuals aged 22 to 61, this survey also explores current attitudes toward Social Security. 1997.
The Values We Live By: What Americans Want From Welfare Reform
This study examines public attitudes toward welfare reform: why the public is so frustrated with the system; what kind of change it is seeking. 1996.
Attitudes Toward Welfare and Welfare Reform: A Focus Group Report
Based on a series of focus groups in six cities, this study examines what citizens don't like about welfare and where they believe the system has gone wrong. 1995. For a free single copy call the Kaiser Foundation, 800-656-4533. Ask for Report #1094.
Promises to Keep: How Leaders and the Public Respond to Saving and Retirement
A comprehensive look at why many Americans have difficulty saving for retirement. The report details the major barriers to action, including cultural factors and personality traits. 1994. Technical Appendix: $20.00
Putting the Work Ethic to Work:
A ground-breaking report on the state of the American work ethic and its relationship to America's economic vitality. The report is based on in-depth interviews with 845 working Americans and includes findings from comparative studies conducted in Great Britain, West Germany, Japan, Israel, and Sweden. 1983.
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