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April 02, 2006
Well, duh.
I just took the Beyond Red vs. B lue Political Typology Test from the Pew Center.
The Political Typology is a longstanding effort to sort voters into homogeneous groups based on their values, political beliefs and party affiliation. The current report is based on a two-part survey of 2,000 Americans interviewed in December 2004, most of whom were recontacted to follow up on current political issues in March 2005. The new analysis divides the American public into nine distinct groups, each with their own unique outlook on politics and the issues of the day. This is the fourth Political Typology study, following previous studies in 1987, 1994 and 1999.
Contrary to the widespread impression of a nation only divided into two unified “red” and “blue” camps, our latest survey finds important cleavages on values and basic attitudes within each party. As a result, both parties face internal challenges as well as opportunities to expand their constituencies. While Republicans have made strong and election-determining inroads among independents, divisions over social and domestic issues may make it difficult for them to consolidate and build upon that advantage. Democrats, however, must deal with a more diverse constituency that is sharply divided on social and cultural values.
By answering two dozen questions, it purports to tell you which of the following nine categories you fall into:
Enterprisers
Social Conservatives
Pro-Government Conservatives
Upbeats
Disaffecteds
Conservative Democrats
Disadvantaged Democrats
Liberals
Bystanders
Not surprisingly, I was deemed a Liberal. Here is my profile:
Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you most closely resemble survey respondents within the Liberal typology group. This does not mean that you necessarily fit every group characteristic or agree with the group on all issues.
Liberals represent 17 percent of the American public, and 19 percent of registered voters.
Basic Description
This group has nearly doubled in proportion since 1999, Liberals now comprise the largest share of Democrats and is the single largest of the nine Typology groups. They are the most opposed to an assertive foreign policy, the most secular, and take the most liberal views on social issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and censorship. They differ from other Democratic groups in that they are strongly pro-environment and pro-immigration, issues which are more controversial among Conservative and Disadvantaged Democrats.
Defining Values
Strongest preference for diplomacy over use of military force. Pro-choice, supportive of gay marriage and strongly favor environmental protection. Low participation in religious activities. Most sympathetic of any group to immigrants as well as labor unions, and most opposed to the anti-terrorism Patriot Act.
Who They Are
Most (62%) identify themselves as liberal. Predominantly white (83%), most highly educated group (49% have a college degree or more), and youngest group after Bystanders. Least religious group in typology: 43% report they seldom or never attend religious services; nearly a quarter (22%) are seculars. More than one-third never married (36%). Largest group residing in urban areas (42%) and in the western half the country (34%). Wealthiest Democratic group (41% earn at least $75,000).
Lifestyle Notes
Largest group to have been born (or whose parents were born) outside of the U.S. or Canada (20%). Least likely to report having a gun at home (23%) or attending bible study or prayer group meetings (13%).
2004 Election
Bush 2%, Kerry 81%
Party ID
59% Democrat; 40% Independent/No Preference, 1% Republican (92% Dem/Lean Dem)
Media Use
Liberals are second only to Enterprisers in following news about government and public affairs most of the time (60%). Liberals’ use of the internet to get news is the highest among all groups (37%).
Now dear reader, go take the test and tell me what kind of typology you have!
Comments
I'm a liberal too - go figure!
Posted by: Elizabeth at April 3, 2006 09:27 AM
I'm a liberal, too...you should really expand your social circle :)
Posted by: jessica at April 3, 2006 10:16 AM
Count me among the liberals....
ada
Posted by: Anonymous at April 3, 2006 11:29 AM
Guess what. Liberal!
But I was *elated* to read that we're 17 percent of the American public, 19 percent of registered voters, and have nearly doubled in proportion since 1999. Holy crap! We're the largest group! We rule!
Meanwhile, Social Conservatives are only 11 percent of the American public (13 percent of registered voters).
They're really the only ones that piss me off. Did you READ their description? "Oppose government aid for the needy, believing people need to make it on their own. Strongly worried about impact of immigrants on American society." Oh, BUT "most (53%) attend church weekly." These are the people I seriously DO NOT GET. I'm sure I don't need to go into it, but seriously, how can you be sooooo religious and such a bastard at the same time?!
Posted by: Mr. Bad Apologies at April 3, 2006 06:30 PM
Oh, and I do want to comment that it might be a "Well, duh" lesson for you, but I still CANNOT BELIEVE this is MS. WRITE AGAIN SOON we are talking about here!
Posted by: Mr. Bad Apologies at April 3, 2006 06:32 PM
