2015-11-19-皮尤-2015_Democracy_Survey_Presentation_59页_1mb

Summary of "Global Support for Principle of Free Expression, but Opposition to Some Forms of Speech"

Core Content

This report from the Pew Research Center, based on a survey of 40,786 adults across 38 countries conducted from April 5 to May 21, 2015, explores global public opinion on democratic principles and the boundaries of free expression. It highlights the widespread support for fundamental democratic values, such as free speech, a free press, and internet freedom, while also noting significant regional and demographic variations in how these values are perceived and prioritized.

Main Findings

Global Support for Free Expression

• Majorities in nearly all 38 countries say it is at least somewhat important to live in a country with free speech, a free press, and freedom on the internet.
• A global median of 50% or more consider these freedoms very important.
• The United States stands out for its strong support of free expression, with 84% rating religious freedom as very important and 71% supporting free speech.
• Latin America and Europe also show strong support, with Argentina, Germany, Spain, and Chile being particularly notable for their opposition to government censorship.
• In contrast, Indonesians, Palestinians, Burkinabe, and Vietnamese are among the least likely to value free expression highly.

Boundaries of Free Speech

• While most support the principle of free expression, majorities are not in favor of allowing speech that is offensive to minorities, religiously offensive, sexually explicit, or calls for violent protests.
• A global median of 80% believe people should be allowed to criticize government policies, but only 35% support allowing statements that are offensive to minority groups or religious beliefs.
• Americans are more tolerant of these forms of speech, with 52% supporting sexually explicit statements and 44% supporting calls for violent protests.

Government Censorship

• Global publics largely oppose government censorship of the media, except in cases of national security.
• The Middle East is the only region where a median of 44% think the government should be able to block economically destabilizing information.
• Americans are more supportive of government limitations on press freedom, with 59% in favor, compared to 40% globally.

Internet Freedom

• Internet freedom is considered important in 32 of 38 countries, with a global median of 50% seeing it as very important.
• Higher rates of internet usage correlate with greater support for internet freedom.
• Argentina, the U.S., Germany, and Spain show the highest support for internet freedom, with 70% or more considering it very important.
• Burkina Faso and Indonesia have the lowest support, with 21% considering it very important.

Regional Comparisons

Education and Income

• Higher education levels are linked to greater support for democratic principles, including media freedom and internet freedom.
• Higher income individuals are more likely to support media freedom and free speech.

Religious Freedom

• Religious freedom is widely supported, with 74% globally considering it very important.
• People who place high importance on religion are more likely to support religious freedom, with significant gaps in countries like Pakistan, Japan, and Vietnam.
• Sub-Saharan Africa shows the strongest support for religious freedom, with 87% in some countries.

Gender Equality

• Gender equality is highly valued, with a global median of 65% considering it very important.
• Women are more likely than men to prioritize gender equality in 24 countries, with Tanzania, Pakistan, Uganda, and Senegal showing the largest gender gaps.
• Japan is the only country where men are more supportive of gender equality than women.

Key Information

• The report uses a free expression index based on responses to five questions about specific types of speech and three about media freedom.
• Americans are the most supportive of all forms of free expression.
• Support for free expression varies by region, with Europeans and Latin Americans showing strong support for gender equality and competitive elections, but less intense support for religious freedom compared to others.
• Internet freedom is considered less important than other democratic principles, but still valued by majorities in 32 countries.
• Demographics such as education, income, and religious importance significantly influence views on free expression and democratic values.