Consumers Have Mixed Feelings on Corporate Activism

Americans have mixed sentiments on corporate activism. A majority say companies should remain neutral on social issues (57%) and political issues (56%).

That's according to the Ipsos Consumer Tracker, which regularly surveys consumers on various issues.

In the same vein, more than half say they are less likely to buy from a company that takes a stand on a social or political issue that they don’t agree with (53% and 56%, respectively). Yet, 57% also agree that corporations should stick by their decisions even if they anger some consumers, and just 13% believe the government should penalize companies whose political or social stances it doesn’t agree with.

Since last year, more Americans want brands to take a stand on political issues (56% say they should remain neutral today, vs. 63% last year). That shift is led in a change by men, Democrats and 35- to 54-year-olds. 

There’s also an increase in desire for companies to take stands on social media but that’s up among pretty much every demo except Republicans (flat at 19%). Democrats are slightly more likely to punish a brand (62% vs 53% of Republicans) that take a political stance they don’t agree with. 

The poll also finds that Americans are largely keeping up with basic health habits. The most common activities done are brushing teeth (86%), trying to eat healthy (71%), and trying to get 7-9 hours of sleep (68%). A majority also report taking vitamins or supplements (65%), getting a yearly physical (60%), and getting recommended health tests (58%). On the other hand, fewer say they stick to a fitness routine (39%) or proactively manage their weight (37%).