Pew Research Center's Blog, page 53

Public Sees Religion’s Influence Waning

Nearly three-quarters of Americans now think religion is losing influence in American life, and most who say this also see it as a bad thing. Perhaps as a consequence, a growing share of the public wants religion to play a role in U.S. politics.

How is Ideology Linked to Child-Rearing Values?

From Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel, explore responses to a survey about which of 12 traits parents feel are “especially important to teach children."

Teaching the Children: Sharp Ideological Differences, Some Common Ground

People with consistently conservative political values are particularly likely to say it is important to teach children religious faith, while those with consistently liberal values stand out for the priority they give to teaching tolerance.

Mixed Views on Trade, Foreign Investment

Developing countries provide the strongest support for international trade and foreign investment, while people in many advanced economies are skeptical. Americans are among the least likely to hold a positive view of the impact of trade on jobs and wages.

Bipartisan Support for U.S. Military Campaign against ISIS

In a rare display of bipartisanship, majorities of both Republicans (64%) and Democrats (60%) approve of President Obama’s plan for a military campaign against Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria.

Wide Partisan Differences Over the Issues That Matter in 2014

Heading into the final weeks before the midterm elections, Republican and Democratic voters are split not only over their candidate preferences, but also about the importance of key issues in the election.

Growing Public Concern about Rise of Islamic Extremism

62% of Americans are very concerned about the rise of Islamic extremism around the world, the largest share dating back to 2007. And 53% are very concerned about such a rise in the U.S., equal to a record high.

How Young Americans Engage With Libraries

Millennials are more likely than older adults to have used a library website in the past year and just as likely to have read a book, but they are among the least likely to say that libraries are important: just 19% say their library’s closing would have a major impact on them.

Global Public Glum About Economy

In most of the 44 countries surveyed, people say their country is heading in the wrong direction and that economic conditions are bad. Only in developing economies is there some semblance of satisfaction with economic performance.

56% of Americans Believe They Are ‘Falling Behind’ Financially

Public views of the job market have improved modestly, but overall economic optimism remains limited. Many say their incomes are falling behind the cost of living and 45% have experienced a serious financial hardship.