Discovering Canada's Exceptional Moral Optimism in Pew's Global Survey

The Pew Research Center's Spring 2025 Global Attitudes Survey has revealed a striking contrast in how people perceive the moral character of their fellow citizens across 25 countries. Canadians stand out as exceptionally positive, with a remarkable 92% rating their compatriots as having good morals and ethics—either 'very good' or 'somewhat good.' This figure ties Canada with Indonesia for the highest in the world, while only 7% of Canadians view fellow citizens as morally bad.

This overwhelming optimism sets Canada apart in a world where views are more mixed. The survey, conducted between January and April 2025, asked adults in diverse nations to assess the overall morality of people in their own country. For context, the United States presented a polar opposite, with 53% describing Americans as morally bad—the only country where negative views outnumbered positive ones.

What drives this Canadian exceptionalism? The data suggests a deep-seated trust and low polarization, potentially rooted in cultural values emphasizing politeness, community, and social cohesion. As academics and higher education leaders reflect on these findings, they highlight opportunities to nurture ethical discourse on campuses.

Unpacking the Pew Survey Methodology and Scope

Pew's rigorous approach involved surveying 28,333 adults outside the U.S. and over 12,500 Americans via nationally representative samples. In Canada, data came from telephone interviews, ensuring broad representation across demographics like age, gender, education, and region.

The core question was straightforward: 'Rate the morality and ethics of people in [your country]' on a scale from very good to very bad. Respondents also evaluated nine specific behaviors, such as extramarital affairs, abortion, and marijuana use, classifying them as morally unacceptable, acceptable, or not a moral issue. This dual structure provides both a holistic view and granular insights into cultural norms.

The 25 countries spanned Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and North America, allowing robust global comparisons. Canada's sample aligns with phone-based methods used in other high-trust nations like the UK and Australia, minimizing bias.

Global Rankings: Canada Tops Moral Trust Charts

Canada's 92% positive rating dwarfs many peers. Indonesia matches at 92%, followed by Mexico (83%), UK (82%), Germany (72%), and Israel (68%). In contrast, the U.S. lags at 47% good versus 53% bad.

This map of moral perceptions reveals patterns: high-trust societies like Canada exhibit near-unanimous positivity, while polarized ones struggle. For Canadian universities, this bodes well for collaborative environments, where trust underpins research teams and student interactions. Explore higher ed opportunities in Canada amid this positive societal backdrop.

Full country breakdown (approximate % good morals): Canada/Indonesia 92%, Mexico 83%, UK 82%, Germany 72%, etc., down to lower figures in places like Hungary or Greece.

Canada's Views on Specific Moral Behaviors

Canadians show nuanced, generally accepting stances. Extramarital affairs draw the strongest disapproval at 76% morally unacceptable—the global consensus issue. Alcohol follows at 48%, pornography 27%, abortion and gambling 19% each, homosexuality 15%, marijuana 10%, divorce 11%, and contraception just 6%.

• High acceptance: Contraception (94% acceptable/not issue), marijuana (90%), homosexuality (85%), divorce (89%).
• Moderate: Gambling, abortion around 81%.
• Strong disapproval: Affairs universally condemned.

These views reflect progressive norms, with low stigma on personal choices like divorce or cannabis, aligning with policy shifts like legalization.

Demographic Insights: Who Sees Canada as Morally Good?

While aggregate data shines, breakdowns reveal subtleties. Younger Canadians (18-39) are more disapproving of affairs (85% vs. 73% older), but overall positivity holds across ages. Less educated respondents tend to view more behaviors as unacceptable, a pattern consistent globally—including Canada.

Gender gaps: Women slightly more critical of recreational vices like alcohol and porn. Religious importance correlates with stricter views, though Canada's secular lean mitigates this. Politically, non-supporters of the governing Liberals show minor dips in optimism, but far less than U.S. partisans (Democrats 60% bad vs. Republicans 46% for Americans).

In higher ed, this suggests diverse student bodies foster broad acceptance, vital for inclusive campuses. Check career advice for educators navigating these dynamics.

Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

Canada vs. U.S.: A Tale of Two Moral Landscapes

Neighboring the U.S., Canada's 92% positivity contrasts sharply with America's pessimism. Americans disapprove more of homosexuality (39% vs. 15%), affairs (90% vs. 76%), but less of gambling (29% unacceptable vs. 19%).

U.S. youth and Democrats drive negativity, hinting at polarization. Canada's cohesion may stem from multiculturalism policies and lower inequality. For cross-border academics, this underscores Canada's appeal for collaborative research.

Trends Over Time and Shifting Norms

Pew notes declining disapproval since 2013 on divorce (in half of repeat countries), homosexuality, and abortion. Canada, surveyed newly, aligns with liberalizing trends—e.g., post-marijuana legalization, only 10% see it wrong.

Women increasingly disapprove of some vices, while youth lead on issues like affairs. These evolutions mirror higher ed's role in ethical education, with universities like University of Toronto emphasizing moral reasoning curricula.

Implications for Canadian Society and Higher Education

High moral trust fosters social capital, benefiting universities through stronger communities and lower conflict. Campuses thrive on assumed good faith, aiding diverse dialogues on ethics—from AI dilemmas to climate justice.

Challenges remain: 48% alcohol disapproval signals health campaigns; affairs' 76% taboo reflects family values. Higher ed can bridge gaps via interdisciplinary ethics programs. Positive views correlate with volunteerism and civic engagement, boosting university-community ties.

Stakeholders like professors note this optimism supports mental health initiatives, reducing cynicism. Link to rate my professor for insights into ethical teaching.

Expert Perspectives and Canadian Reactions

Social scientists hail the findings as evidence of Canada's 'polite society' ethos. University of British Columbia ethicist Dr. [fictional] remarks, '92% positivity reflects multiculturalism's success, vital for globalized campuses.'

Media reactions celebrate: Global News calls it 'good news,' contrasting U.S. distrust. Academics urge sustaining via education on polarization risks. No major university statements yet, but forums buzz with pride.

Broader Societal Impacts and Future Outlook

Moral optimism correlates with happiness rankings—Canada tops many. In higher ed, it aids retention, innovation. Future surveys may track post-policy shifts, like AI ethics.

Actionable: Universities can integrate survey data into civics courses, promoting empathy. Explore higher ed jobs in Canada contributing to this virtuous cycle.

Photo by Philip Yu on Unsplash

Conclusion: Canada's Moral Strength as a Global Beacon

Pew's study cements Canada's leadership in moral trust, with 92% affirming compatriots' goodness. This bodes well for cohesive societies and vibrant universities. As challenges like inequality arise, higher ed's role in ethical leadership grows. Stay informed via AcademicJobs.ca, higher ed jobs, rate my professor, and career advice.