Debbie Barker and the Survey Working Group have provided some interim survey results based on something over 300 responses. Keep sharing the survey link on the front page of the site!
The survey also gave some details of people who haven’t visited the camp yet…
Initial analysis on the ‘previously unheard voices’
ie the groups who answered “have you visited an Occupy camp?
with either “I would visit but I haven’t yet.” or
“I wouldn’t consider visiting a camp”.
I’ve looked at these groups first as although they are relatively few in number, in my opinion we need to focus on reaching out to these people most, if Occupy is to grow. I have also assumed they are more likely to be critical/ challenging in their comments than people who have visited a camp – and if we hope to grow the movement we need to engage with challenges.
Summary
40 people out of 319 total responses to survey (13%)
38 people had heard of Occupy.
6 people wouldn’t consider visiting a camp
Broadly, as can be seen below, these groups agree with two of the main tenets of Occupy – they don’t feel represented by their government and don’t feel our political, social or economic systems are sustainable. Despite not having visited a camp (or not intending to visit) 82.5% of this group are supportive of Occupy’s ideals and methods so far (7 Jan 2012).
This group’s views on Occupy differs from the survey as a whole in that many more of them agree with Occupy’s ideals but don’t know how they could be achieved (25% of this group compared to 12% whole survey). My interpretation of this is that we need more discussion about ‘how’ change can come about – and to promote the sort of immediate, achievable small steps that can make a difference.
Does your government represent your will or interests?
36 said “no” (90% of this group compared to 88% of whole survey group)
Other responses – none said clear ‘yes’:
“In some ways, not all”
“What they say do, but what they do… maybe they just have to start, but right now they are just like the government we had before”
“If we happen to agree, sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t.”
“I don’t know anything about the government here”
Do you think the current political, economic and social systems are sustainable?
32 said “no” (80% of this group compared to 84% of whole survey group)
4 said “yes” (10% of this group)
other responses:
“if we(the underclass)submit”
“In the UK? no, unless you count its failure. It’s not possible for any government however, at any time, by nature.”
gThey will continue to evolveh
“yes to the social no to the rest”
How do you feel about the Occupy movement?
Number of responses; (% of this group then % whole survey)
I am supportive but I am unable to contribute significantly due to other commitments. 19 (47.5% vs 41%)
I agree with their ideals but don’t know how they could be achieved.* 10 (25% vs 12%)
I am supportive and involved. 4 (10% vs 26%)
I agree with their ideals but i don’t think they are going about them the right way.* 2 (5% vs 7%)
I disagree with all they are doing.* 1 (2.5% vs 2%)
other (free-format text) responses:
“I’m ignorant on it, sorry”
“Disheartened by it being wishywashy!”
“i’m living in a bubble and i’ve not actually looked into it too hard”
“The point’s been made, move on.”
* Next phase of analysis will look at all survey respondents who answered this question in these 3 ways or with free format comments suggesting negative view of Occupy.
What do you believe to be the root cause(s) of our current environmental crisis.
(I’ve just listed top 4 answers – most people chose more than one answer to this question)
“We (particularly western societies) consume too much. 27 (67.5%)
“Environmental issues generally result from profit-driven unethical businesses.” 26 (65%)
“industrialised agriculture” 17 (42.5%)
“overpopulation” 15 (37.5%)
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Great stuff!