2005-01-23-皮尤-Politics_and_Values_in_a_51_-48_Nation_15页_100kb

Summary: National Security and Partisan Divisions in US Public Values

(Based on Pew Research Center's December 2004 survey)

1. Shifting Importance of National Security:

   • Beliefs about national security, particularly views on military strength vs. diplomacy and obligation to fight, have become twice as influential as social or economic issues in shaping partisan identity.
   • The 2003-2004 election period, especially the stance on the Iraq War, has significantly amplified partisan differences on these core security values, with Democrats moving more "dovish" and Republicans more "hawkish".
   • This contrasts with the 1990s where social values, economic issues, and business regulation were more significant in predicting partisan affiliation.

2. The Enduring "Consensus":

   • Despite political division, many fundamental values transcend partisan lines. Strong consensus exists regarding:
     • The personal importance of religion.
     • Belief in self-empowerment and hard work driving success.
     • Skepticism towards large business.
     • Perceived progress in racial relations.
     • Belief that the environment should be protected.

3. Polarization vs. Shared Concerns:

   • While national security and certain social issues have become highly polarized (like the War in Iraq, Military vs. Diplomacy, Foreign Policy), there is less division on other topics.
     • Immigration: Split evenly between parties, though views became marginally less positive than in 2000.
     • Economic Issues (Taxes, Economy): Public responsibility decreased slightly (from 55% in 1994 to 37%), but still more Republican than Democratic.
     • Race: Views on Black progress are largely unchanged and positive.
   • Key Difference: While polarization on security and specific social values occurs, many core economic/social values show less change or remain stable across decades.

4. Less Polarization in Government Issues:

   • The formerly large partisan gap on views of government ("inefficient and wasteful," regulation necessity) has narrowed, largely due to increased pro-government sentiment among Republicans, especially after 9/11.
   • However, concerning morality and specific social values (like gay marriage, government role in morality) remains moderately polarized.

5. Perception of Divisiveness:

   • A large majority (66%) believe the US is more politically divided than in the past, directly linked to the Iraq War.
   • Republicans are more likely than Democrats to perceive greater political division within their social circles.

6. Party Identification Trends:

   • As of late 2004, Democrats held a slight edge in general party identification (33%-30%), but Republicans achieved parity in election turnout (37%).
   • Support for the Democratic Party is particularly strong among minorities, liberals, women, less educated individuals, and seculars.
   • Republican strength remains solid among Conservatives, White Evangelicals, and higher-income citizens.