2011-05-03-皮尤-How_We_Identified_Your_Group_159页_1mb

2011 Political Typology Study Summary

The Pew Research Center conducted a comprehensive Political Typology survey to categorize Americans based on their political beliefs, values, and party affiliations, highlighting the evolving landscape of U.S. politics amidst events like the Tea Party movement and the Great Recession. The study identified eight groups and Bystanders—those disengaged from politics.

Key Findings:

Political Typology Changes:

• Public dissatisfaction with partisan labels has increased, with 37% identifying as Independents in 2011 (part of larger trends since 2005).
• Partisan polarization has intensified, with growing ideological extremism at both ends of the spectrum.
• A unified conservative bloc emerged, emphasizing limited government and economic conservatism, while a diverse center reflects a mix of views.

Core Typology Groups:

1. Staunch Conservatives (8%):

   • Extreme conservatives on nearly all issues (e.g., anti-government, pro-military).
   • Highly active politically; largest Tea Party supporter group.
   • Demographics: Oldest, most religious group.

2. Main Street Republicans (11%):

   • Moderately conservative; agree with Tea Party but differ from Staunch Conservatives on environmental regulation.
   • Similar demographics but slightly younger and less affluent.

3. Libertarians (9%):

   • Fiscally conservative but socially liberal; pro-small-government, cautious on regulation.
   • Majority male, well-educated, affluent.

4. Disaffecteds (11%):

   • Struggling financially; skeptical of government and business but support aid to the poor.
   • White and less educated than average.

5. Post-Moderns (13%):

   • Younger, college-educated, socially liberal; pro-immigration, accepting of homosexuality.

Democrats:

• Democrats more internally divided on several issues like race, jobs, and government role compared to Republicans.

Comparisons to Previous Typology (2005):

• In 2005, the two main GOP groups were economically conservative and socially conservative as separate entities. Today, they are largely unified.
• International issues and national security are less polarizing than they were in 2005.

Methodology:

• Uses nine value scales based on survey responses to cluster participants into groups. Groups were selected for consistency and substantive validity.

Key Observations:

• The 2011 study notes a decrease in the significance of "Red vs. Blue" divides, with polarization substituting secular, ideologically diverse points of view in the center.
• Economic concerns significantly impact political outlooks, with lower-income groups (Disaffecteds and Hard-Pressed Democrats) expressing more skepticism than higher-income.

Notable Trends:

• Tea Party influence deepens conservative unity but is less wide across the political map.
• Views on birthplace of President Obama highlight lingering confusion and polarization.
• Deficit reduction strategies show varied support: Staunch Conservatives want spending cuts; others favor combinations or taxation increases.

The typology provides a detailed map of American political ideology, demonstrating both the strengthening of ideological extremes and the internal division of typically non-partisan or liberal groups.