Originally published June 8, 2023 6:00 pm PDT
Social Conservatism is at its highest since 2012.
QUICK FACTS:
- 38% of Americans claim to be conservative or very conservative on social issues, compared to 31% in 2012.
- In the last two years, the percentage of Americans saying their social views are liberal or very liberal has dropped from 34% to 29%.
- Among political groups, socially conservative Republicans increased from 60% in 2021 to 74%, and Independents rose from 24% to 29%, while socially conservative Democrats did not change, remaining at 10% in both 2021 and 2023.
- Those between the ages of 30-64 have had the greatest increases in socially conservative views.
- 35% of 30- to 49-year-olds report holding socially conservative views, compared to 22% in 2021 and 27% in 2022.
- 46% of 50- to 64-year-olds have socially conservative values, compared to 35% in 2021 and 36% in 2022.
- The figures come as many states actively consider policies regarding abortion, transgender issues, and educational policies.
- The poll is based on Gallup’s Values and Beliefs survey conducted between May 1-24.
ECONOMIC CONSERVATISM:
- Gallup’s survey reported that 44% of Americans hold conservative or very conservative economic views.
- Between 2020 and 2022, 40% of Americans reported having conservative economic views.
- 33% of Americans hold moderate economic views and 21% of Americans have liberal or very liberal economic values.
- Where 79% of Republicans value conservative economic policies, only 48% of Democrats value liberal economic policies.
BACKGROUND:
- A survey from Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll found that 68% of Americans want stricter border policies, a classically right-wing sentiment.
- 58% of American voters believe the Biden administration made the Southern Border more open and 37% of voters believed the current administration is enforcing immigration laws.
- Party affiliation did not affect the demand for stronger border policies.
