Economic toll from COVID-19 mounts

Pew Research Center analysis from April finds the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is falling more heavily on lower-income adults – a group that was feeling significant financial pressure well before the current crisis started. Our work continues to provide insights on the economic toll of the virus.

• The option to telework may prove to be a financial lifeline for many workers during the COVID-19 downturn.
• The financial risk to U.S. business owners posed by the outbreak varies by demographic group.
• More than half of U.S. households have some investment in the stock market, which has fluctuated since the crisis began.
• Among adults who have lost a job or wages due to COVID-19, most are concerned states will lift restrictions too quickly.

Most Americans say coronavirus outbreak has impacted their lives

In the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, nine-in-ten U.S. adults said their life had changed at least a little as a result of the outbreak, including 44% who said their life had changed in a major way.

• About two-thirds of parents with children in K-12 schools are concerned about their kids falling behind as schools have closed.
• The pandemic erupted in the midst of the 2020 U.S. census, creating a new set of challenges to achieving an accurate count.

What we know about Gen Z so far

One-in-ten eligible voters in the 2020 electorate will be part of a new generation of Americans – Generation Z. Unlike the Millennials, who came of age during the Great Recession, this new generation was in line to inherit a strong economy with record-low unemployment. That has all changed now, as COVID-19 has reshaped the country’s social, political and economic landscape. Instead of looking ahead to a world of opportunities, Gen Z now peers into an uncertain future.

Support for gender equality strong around the globe, even as many see advantages for men

Across 34 countries surveyed, a median of 94% think it is important for women in their country to have the same rights as men, with 74% saying this is very important. In many countries, women place more importance on gender equality than men do. However, women are less optimistic than men that women in their countries will achieve equality in the future, and they are more likely to say men have better lives than women.

Millennials overtake Baby Boomers as America's largest generation

As family structures change in U.S., a growing share of Americans say it makes no difference

Lesbian, gay and bisexual online daters report positive experiences – but also harassment

Most Democrats who are looking for a relationship would not consider dating a Trump voter

Media mentions

From our research