In 2016, 50% of the well-off thought life was fair, now only 31% feel that way.
Whether it’s a matter of karma, good will or the golden rule, one thing is sure: we’ve all been told at one time or another that “life isn’t fair.” YouGov Omnibus asked Americans what they think about this age old question last year, and opinions have since changed.
Overall, 51% said that life is unfair, while 29% said that it is in fact fair. A fifth weren’t sure.
A greater share of Republicans (39%) than Democrats (26%) say life is fair. Meanwhile 55% of Democrats say life is unfair, versus 47% of Republicans. Age too divides Americans’ opinions. Around a quarter of those aged 18 through 54 all agree that life is fair, while 34% of those aged 55+ share this opinion.
Having considered whether life is fair, we’re led naturally to the next question: should it be?
As age increases, so too does the number of respondents who say that life should be fair, ranging from 49% of 18-24 year olds up to 58% of 55+ year olds. In addition, 65% of Democrats think life should be fair, whereas the same is true for 45% of Republicans. By comparison, in December of 2016, 70% of Democrats and 58% of Republicans said life should be fair.
Last year’s results differed in that household income was a divisive factor in whether respondents said life was fair. In 2016, those earning over $80k were the most likely to say life was fair--50% of those in the highest income bracket agreed. This year less than a third of Americans at any income level said life is fair.
Image: Getty
