Focus groups in U.S., UK find that left and right see the same aspects of history through a very different lens

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May 4, 2021

Views About National Identity Becoming More Inclusive in U.S., Western Europe

Focus groups in U.S., UK find that left and right see the same aspects of history through a very different lens

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Focus groups in U.S., UK find that left and right see the same aspects of history through a very different lens

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Views About National Identity Becoming More Inclusive in U.S., Western Europe
Fewer now say criteria for national belonging like birthplace, religion are important
Differing views about changing traditions, recognizing discrimination and avoiding offending others
Americans more likely than British, Germans or French to see discrimination against Christians
Ideological gaps on issues of tradition, offending others, seeing discrimination
Large ideological divides on pride in country in the U.S., UK
Most surveyed see speaking the dominant language as critical to belonging
Criteria for national belonging have become less strict for many, particularly Britons and Americans
Views about national identity have shifted significantly among American moderates and liberals, and to a lesser extent, among conservatives as well
Significant ideological divides on issue of national identity, especially in U.S.
Leavers have more restrictive view of national identity than Remainers
Republicans have more restrictive view of national identity than Democrats
Supporters of right-wing populist parties more likely to see criteria for belonging in their country
Older people have stricter views on national belonging
Rising shares say immigrants want to adopt way of life of their new country
Larger shares say immigrants want to adopt customs, including significant shifts among those on the ideological right
In focus groups, Republicans, Leavers stressed assimilation
In focus groups, Democrats, Remainers highlighted benefits of multiculturalism
Muslims and Jews seen as facing more discrimination than Christians
In U.S., those on the right more likely to say Christians face discrimination than in UK, France, Germany
Fewer right-wing populist party supporters say Muslims face discrimination
Many say bigger problem is discrimination going unseen
Younger and more educated people more concerned about discrimination
Large ideological splits on issue of seeing discrimination in society
Germans slightly favor being careful to avoid offense; in other publics, more say people are too easily offended
Ideological left more concerned with avoiding offense with what they say
Republicans, Leavers share similar views on politically correct culture but focus on different aspects
Democrats and Remainers see positives in politically correct culture, though some worry about downsides
Most say they are proud or a mix of proud and ashamed of their country
Britons and Americans on the ideological right much more likely to express pride in their country
Focus group participants in U.S. and UK cite racism, political correctness as things that make them embarrassed
Outside of France, majorities are open to traditions changing
Younger adults more likely to say their country will be better off if open to changing traditions
Right-wing populist supporters in Germany, UK, France more likely than nonsupporters to say their country should stick to its traditions
European populist party classifications

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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