Views on Social Issues by Generation
Nearly six-in-ten (59%) members of the Millennials group (ages 18 to 30) support allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally; just 33% of the over-65 Silent generation share this view.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Read our research on:
Short Reads
All
Short Reads
Publications
-
-
short reads
The Generation Gap on Foreign Policy and National Security Issues
Two-thirds of Millennials believe that relying on military force creates hatred that leads to more terrorism, a view shared by a significantly smaller portion (41%) of the over-65 Silent generation.
-
short reads
Types of Apps Downloaded by Cell Phone and Tablet Users
The most popular category of apps downloaded by cell phone and tablet users are ones that provide regular updates on news, weather, sports or stocks. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of app downloaders have used an app that serves one or more of these functions.
-
short reads
Anger with Government Rises Among Silents, Boomers
Three-in-ten members of the over-65 Silent generation describe themselves as angry with the federal government. About a quarter (26%) of Baby Boomers also say they are angry at Washington.
-
short reads
Generational Gaps in Views of Entitlement Programs
More than eight-in-ten (86%) Millennials favor allowing younger workers to put Social Security taxes into private accounts.
-
short reads
Generational Differences in Views of Obama
The over-65 Silent generation is more likely than younger age cohorts to say that President Obama makes them angry. Four-in-ten Silents share this sentiment compared to 19% of Millennials.
-
short reads
Paying for Apps
Just under half (46%) of cell phone and tablet users who have downloaded apps say they have paid for an app at some point.
-
short reads
Americans and Text Messaging
Young adults are the heaviest users of text messaging, sending or receiving an average of 87.7 text messages on a normal day.
-
short reads
Generations and the 2012 Election
Millennial voters favor President Obama by a 61% to 37% margin, while those over 65 –the Silent generation voters — favor Mitt Romney by a 54% to 41% margin, creating a generation gap of 20 points.
-
short reads
Public Attitudes Toward Social Issues
Americans are now almost evenly divided on the question of legalizing same-sex marriage. Opposition to same-sex marriage has fallen from 65% in 1996 to 46% in 2011 while 45% favor legalizing it.