Lindsay Owens : Polls show a spike in Americans ' lack of confidence in finance . In a paper forthcoming in the journal Public Opinion Quarterly , I examine Americans ' attitudes toward banks , financial institutions and Wall Street over the last 40 years and look at historical trends in how Americans perceive the honesty and ethical practices of bankers . Comment: Financial turmoil is another factor that weakens confidence in Wall Street , she says . Owens says key question is whether this disapproval translates into reforms .
Lindsay Owens : Polls show a spike in Americans ' lack of confidence in finance . Comment: Financial turmoil is another factor that weakens confidence in Wall Street , she says . Owens says key question is whether this disapproval translates into reforms .