What Were the Results of My Little Survey?

Let’s dive into the survey findings now. We got responses from 10 people—not a huge number, but it works.

As expected, we’ve got a mix of liberals and left-centerists here. 6 folks are PO members, and 4 are SLD supporters, with no sign of PiS members.

What Do the Respondents Believe In?

Regarding beliefs, I need to admit a small mistake in the art section. One option should’ve been picked, but that’s alright. Interestingly, none of the respondents strictly believe in the Catholic Church and its teachings.

Heaven, hell, angels, and such higher entities aren’t their cup of tea. One respondent believes in a Creator, two in world justice, and three in destiny and an immortal aspect of humanity.

Interestingly, respondents have faith in humanity. Real altruism and free will each got 6 responses, which is quite optimistic.

It makes me think that in the next survey (if there’s one), we might need a question about the sense of control over one’s life. According to Rotter (1966), this sense of control is a measurable personality dimension called locus of control.

It seems we have independent thinkers here, with a dash of what’s called “internal attribution” (that’s a compliment). According to Ross (1977), people have a general tendency to explain others’ behavior through personal disposition rather than situational context, a bias known as the fundamental attribution error.

How Do They View Social Phenomena?

The section about social phenomena is intriguing too. Surprisingly, all the situations presented have their basis in reality or serious consideration. For instance, in Norway, citizens reveal their earnings for transparency.

According to Forbes, Norwegian tax returns have been public information for around 200 years. And the total income and tax paid by every taxpayer is published each year.

In the Netherlands, you can even marry yourself, not to mention same-sex weddings. And though it’s not legal anywhere, the idea of “good” pedophiles considering themselves with a different sexual orientation has floated around, just like condoms in schools in many places.

Now, for the results: Respondents lean quite left. They’ve all given the nod to euthanasia, aiding suicide, legalizing same-sex civil partnerships, and the right to abortion in special cases.

The right to possess non-commercial quantities of drugs (9 people), abortion at a woman’s discretion (9 people), condoms in school vending machines (8 people). And same-sex weddings (7 people) also got their support. 

Interestingly, even the right to adopt by same-sex couples (7 people) received good votes. Looks like most of the folks on this site lean more liberal than me.

I guess I’m among those who still feel there are too many rubber bands in schools and two dads instead of just one. I don’t know, maybe I’m just feeling a bit older.

The presented phenomena were quite polarizing, either strongly accepted or strongly rejected (indication numbers between 3 and 6 didn’t show up). The no-gos included legalizing “good” pedophilia (0 indications), revealing everyone’s income (1 indication), the death penalty (2 indications), and self-marriage (2 indications). 

What About Self-Marriage?

Now, about that self-marriage, I’m a bit surprised too. What’s the fuss if someone wants to put on a wedding ring for themselves? I wouldn’t mind a neighbor having such an idea and feeling proud.

But it turns out young Poles (if I guess right about the respondents) don’t quite go for that. A very interesting observation.

And it’s also intriguing how Poles have moved away from the death penalty as the sole way to deal with severe criminals. Back in the 1990s, over 50% were in favor.

But now, both in the media and around town, it’s not such a popular stance. According to CBOS (2011), support for capital punishment in Poland fell from 77% in 2004 to 61% in 2011.

When it comes to “good” pedophilia, I’m relieved to see it’s not gaining traction. I doubt it’ll ever be equated with homosexuality or other minority orientations.

Thanks again for your help; it was a fascinating experience.