The Pew political typology offers some additional insights into our divided society:
In the United States, even the meaning of life can have a partisan tinge. Both Republicans and Democrats say they derive meaning from their families, friends, careers and material well-being. But they differ substantially over several other factors, including faith, freedom, health and hobbies.
If those word clouds are indicative of the divide, we have a problem. Democrats derive meaning from their personal lives. Republicans derive meaning from civic and religious life.
I find it very unnerving. They explicitly find meaning from institutions like government and the church and abstract notions like freedom. Dems find meaning in their families, pets and hobbies. I think the Dems might be healthier as individuals but they are ill-equipped to deal with a group that is driven by politics and religion.
Our political typology provides a roadmap to today’s fractured political landscape. It organizes the public into nine distinct groups, based on an analysis of their attitudes and values. Even in a polarized era, the 2021 survey reveals deep divisions in both partisan coalitions. Below is a short description of each of the nine groups, ranging from the most conservative to the most liberal.
The 2021 political typology groups
Highly religious, overwhelmingly White and older than other typology groups. Intensely conservative in all realms, including social and economic issues. Very politically engaged and deeply loyal to Donald Trump.
Staunchly conservative and overwhelmingly Republican, they hold pro-business views and have favorable attitudes about international trade. They favor limited government and are more moderate on immigration than other GOP-oriented groups. Financially secure and highly educated.
Critical of many institutions – especially big business and the government. Overwhelmingly White and less educated than other conservative typology groups. Hold highly negative views of immigration and favor restrictive immigration policies.
They generally hold conservative views on government, business and gender issues. Yet they also hold more moderate stances on other social issues, taking a more internationalist view of foreign policy and a less restrictive position on immigration.
Generally disconnected from politics and the two major parties, they vote at lower rates than most other typology groups. They lean liberal on economic issues but somewhat conservative on social issues.
The youngest typology group. They hold liberal views on most issues and overwhelmingly vote Democratic but aren’t particularly enamored with the Democratic Party – and they have deeply negative views of the GOP.
Committed to the Democratic Party, they are the oldest Democratic-oriented group and among the most racially and ethnically diverse overall. They favor an expanded role for government but are somewhat less liberal on immigration and foreign policy.
Highly educated and racially diverse, they are among the strongest supporters of Joe Biden and the Democratic Party. Liberal on nearly all issues but less likely to favor sweeping changes than Progressive Left. More supportive of political compromise than other Democratic groups.
Among the most politically engaged groups, they hold overwhelmingly liberal views across a wide range of issues. Highly educated and majority White. Support far-reaching changes to address racial injustice and expand the social safety net.
Curious which group you belong to? Take the quiz. Answer 16 questions to find out where you fit.
I’m a little bit surprised that I came out a “Democratic Mainstay” rather than Progressive Left, but perhaps I shouldn’t be. I’m getting old.