I honestly don't know what to say. I'm stumped.
Among Black adults, those with higher incomes are most likely to say they are happy
BY KHADIJAH EDWARDS, PEW RESEARCH
More than eight-in-ten Black adults say they are at least somewhat happy these days, according to a spring 2023 Pew Research Center survey of Black Americans. However, Black adults with upper family incomes (54%) are about twice as likely as those with lower family incomes (26%) to say they are extremely or very happy. Black adults with upper incomes also report having more time to do the things they enjoy.
At the same time, Black adults of all income levels find a great deal or fair amount of joy in similar things, according to another Center survey from September.
In recent years, we have surveyed Black Americans to better understand the connection between their finances and life satisfaction. We have also asked Black Americans about their views on capitalism and Black-owned businesses.
Black Americans and free time
In their daily lives, 39% of Black adults overall say they frequently have enough time to do the things they want to do. Another 41% say they sometimes have enough time, and 19% say they rarely or never have enough time.
However, those with upper incomes are more likely than those with lower incomes (45% vs. 36%) to say they have enough time to do what they want.
For decades, researchers have discussed a connection between income and happiness and suggest there is an association between having at least some – but not too much – free time and overall well-being. Our surveys found a similar association between being happy and having enough time. Black adults who say they have enough time to do the things they want (51%) are more likely to say they are extremely or very happy, compared with just 16% of those who say they rarely or never have enough time.
Where do Black adults find joy and fulfillment?
Across income levels, most Black adults find a great deal or a fair amount of joy or fulfillment in spending time with family or friends (79%), their spiritual or religious practices (62%), and traveling (57%), according to our September survey. Still, notable differences exist by income, particularly for activities that can cost money, like traveling, creating or experiencing the arts, participating in sports or exercising.
Here are some of the differences by income in the activities that bring Black Americans joy or fulfillment:
Spending time with family or friends: Black adults with upper incomes (88%) are somewhat more likely than those with middle (83%) or lower (74%) incomes to say they find joy in this.
Traveling: 76% of Black adults with upper incomes find joy in this, a higher share than among those with middle (64%) and lower incomes (48%).
Creating or experiencing the arts: 53% of Black adults with upper incomes say this is a source of joy, compared with 45% of those with middle incomes and 39% of those with lower incomes.
Participating in sports or exercising: 56% of Black adults with upper incomes say this is a source of joy, compared with 45% of those with middle incomes and 36% of those with lower incomes.
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