Despite Protests, Americans in Financial Distress Largely Affirm Shutdowns

Are lost jobs and income driving the highly visible protests of shutdowns and social distancing orders? It’s a common explanation, but the data doesn't support it. In weekly, widespread opinion surveys conducted by Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape^™, clear majorities of Americans — including those facing financial distress — support business closures and other precautions against the spread of COVID-19. Robert Griffin and Mayesha Quasem present findings in this May 19 piece for The Washington Post’s Monkey Cage.