Is the pandemic a blip on the radar? Or will it have long-term lasting effects on the way we live? At a time when we can’t seem to agree on anything, it’s no surprise that we’re divided on predictions of how it will all pan out.
Half of Americans think our lives will change in major ways and half think things will return to normal, according to Pew Research Center. Race, age, political affiliation, income, gender, and where we live changes our belief in whether or not life will be different for us after the pandemic:
- 57% of younger adults, age 18 to 29 say it will, compared to 51% of those ages 30 to 49, half of those ages 50 to 64 and 47% of those 65 and older.
- 64% of Black Americans say it will, compared to 56% of Asian adults, 53% of Hispanic adults and 48% of White adults.
- 54% of women versus 47% of men think it will be different
- 60% of Democrats compared with 40% of Republicans think it will be different
- 53% of lower-income, compared to 51% of middle-income, and 46% of higher-income adults think it will be different
- 56% of people who live in urban areas, compared with 51% of people who live in the suburbs and 46% of people living in rural areas
Those who have already been affected by Covid are more likely to think the pandemic will change their life for good. For example, of those who have lost a job because the outbreak, 59% say their lives will remain changed compared to 50% of those who have not.
For those who know someone who has had or died due to Covid, 57% say life after the pandemic will be different, compared to 48% of those who don’t know anyone. And those who live in counties with a higher number of deaths from coronavirus, are more likely to believe life after the virus will be different.
The survey didn’t ask respondents to get into how they thought the world would change. That is up to everybody else. Everyone from the AARP to the International Monetary Fund are attempting to predict what happens next. But time will only tell.
I don’t live in America but I think COVID will change things world wide. I wish I lived in New Zealand right now.
Great statistics and excellent queston. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. For us, the change has meant more family time together. We have a tendency to jump at opportunities and can overscheule our family. With five kiddos at home (three teens/preteens) not getting caught up in the rush is tough. The pandemic caused us to slow down and spend more time together as a family. We like this and hope to keep this pattern even after the worst is over.
It sounds like you have the right mindset about it. Best to you in 2021.
Interesting survey. I don’t think things will ever return to how they once were, not for a long time anyway.
Thanks for sharing with #MMBC. Lovely to have you back!
This is an interesting survey. Thank you for sharing it! I hope we come out better. I do think it’s interesting that older people are less likely to think things will stay changed. Maybe that’s because they’ve seen more in their lives. I’m visiting from the Inspire Me Monday link up today. Have a great week Catherine!
Thank you for stopping by Marielle! It is interesting to see how the ages break out.
Personally, so much depends upon a vaccine. Overall, there are too many people who haven’t learned anything from this crisis.
Thanks for stopping, PJ. I hope people learn.
At the moment I am finding it hard to imagine having the life we had before Coronavirus. I think it has changed and it will stay changed. We are spending less money because we’re going out less and have found a new frugal way of life which is a good thing.
Spending less money is one good thing!