The Joint Center included questions about Social Security in its 1998 National Opinion Poll. The poll surveyed the public's views of the Social Security system. Importantly, knowledge about and expectations of the Social Security system, along with approaches for reforming the system and reducing the funding shortfall anticipated in the future were surveyed. The poll revealed that solid majorities of both blacks and whites consider themselves well informed about Social Security and that majorities of all groups expect to receive less in benefits than they have paid into the Social Security system.
Whites are more likely than blacks to report a lack of confidence in the system.
Blacks are less likely than other groups to report that they expect personal savings to be their major source of retirement income or that they are saving a lot for retirement. Most respondents agree that Social Security should ensure a minimum standard of living, and most oppose the investment of Social Security trust funds in private equities. If needed, download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader .