Trends in Attitudes Toward Religion and Social Issues: 1987-2007
As the ’08 elections approach, what are the views of Republicans, Democrats and the general public on “social values” issues? And how have they changed over time?
The Right-to-Die Debate and the Tenth Anniversary of Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act
Similar measures considered in several other states have failed in the state legislature or at the ballot box, while polls show the country still divided on the issue.
How Muslims Compare With Other Religious Americans
Although Muslims constitute a small minority in the United States, in many ways, they stand out not so much for their differences as for their similarities with other religious groups, especially evangelicals.
As Marriage and Parenthood Drift Apart, Public Is Concerned about Social Impact
At a time when nearly four-in-ten births in this country are to an unmarried mother, the public says unwed parenting is a big problem for society. But Americans are far less inclined now than a generation ago to say children are important to a successful marriage, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
Who Flies the Flag? Not Always Who You Might Think
For many Americans, demonstrating patriotism means showing the flag; overall, 62% say they do so. Notably, significantly more Northeasterners and Midwesterners fly the flag than do residents of the South or the West.
Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream
The first-ever, nationwide, random sample survey of Muslim Americans finds them to be largely assimilated, happy with their lives, and moderate with respect to many of the issues that have divided Muslims and Westerners around the world.
Changing Faiths: Latinos and the Transformation of American Religion
Hispanics are altering the profile of American religion by their growing numbers and by their distinctive practice of Christianity. A new study by the Pew Hispanic Center and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life also finds Latinos’ influence on U.S. politics and public affairs is strongly affected by the particular characteristics of their faith.
The Culture War and the Coming Election
No hot-button issue currently dominates in the presidential campaigns, but court decisions and other events could change that quickly.
Same-Sex Marriage in California: Legal and Political Prospects
Experts debate a pending state Supreme Court decision and the larger societal issues involved.
Americans and Social Trust: Who, Where and Why
Just under half of Americans say most people can be trusted, while 50% say you can’t be too careful, a new Pew survey finds. Whites are more trusting than blacks or Hispanics. High income folks are more trusting than those with low incomes. The married are more trusting than the unmarried. The old are more trusting than the young. And rural folks are more trusting than their city cousins.
