Americans who pass up an opportunity to go to college may pay for it in the long run, and not just in their paychecks. Continue Reading →

Survey report October 20, 2021

Public Places and Commercial Spaces: How Neighborhood Amenities Foster Trust and Connection in American Communities

Daniel A. Cox, Ryan Streeter, Samuel J. Abrams, Beatrice Lee, Dana Popky

An illustration of the main street of a small town. There is a market, library, cafe, gym, and restaurant. People are walking on the sidewalk, are inside the buildings, and there is a car going down the street.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Americans across the country to reconsider their residential priorities. Today, many Americans would prefer to live in small towns or rural areas rather than denser urban neighborhoods, and they are more likely to prioritize personal space over access to community amenities. The report investigates the physical and social features of local communities that Americans value most. Continue Reading →

In the midst of a heated presidential election, health pandemic, and social unrest, it is important to understand how those around us shape our thinking and influence our behavior. Continue Reading →

It seems clear that Trump’s response to the COVID-19 crisis has hurt him politically. The AEI survey finds that the public has become increasingly critical of Trump’s response to the pandemic, even among his most loyal supporters. Continue Reading →

Commentary June 16, 2020

Many White Americans Are Ready to Reopen the Economy. Black Americans Aren’t.

Daniel A. Cox, Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux

Not all Americans are anxious for businesses to reopen. In fact, there is a fairly stark divide among white, black and Hispanic Americans on the subject. Continue Reading →

Commentary May 28, 2020

Does Biden Have a Problem With African American Voters?

Daniel A. Cox, Robert Griffin

Data suggests Biden may be underperforming with black voters when compared with recent Democratic presidential candidates. If that is happening, it may be because younger black Americans don’t support him as strongly as their elders. Continue Reading →

Majorities of Americans remain concerned about COVID-19, and it’s unclear what in-person religious services will look like. Continue Reading →

Commentary December 12, 2019

Millennials are Leaving Religion and Not Coming Back

Daniel A. Cox, Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux

Millennials are more likely to say they they have no religion as they are to identify as Christian, as evidence mounts that today’s younger generations may be leaving religion for good. Continue Reading →

Commentary October 8, 2019

Joe Biden Has a Serious College-Voter Problem

Daniel A. Cox

The former vice president has faced challenges shoring up support among a key Democratic constituency: college students. Continue Reading →

Commentary August 20, 2019

Could Trump Drive Young White Evangelicals Away From the GOP?

Daniel A. Cox

Trump has found young white Evangelicals harder to win over. For many older white Evangelicals, Trump’s vigorous public defense of conservative Christians remains the most compelling reason to support his reelection. Continue Reading →

Survey Reports

gender divide banner

Daniel A. Cox, Kelsey Eyre Hammond
September 24, 2024

The Politics of Progress and Privilege: How America’s Gender Gap Is Reshaping the 2024 Election

Americans are increasingly divided on gendered issues. A new report by the Survey Center on American Life provides context for how these divisions might impact the results of the 2024 Presidential election. Continue Reading →

Daniel A. Cox, Sam Pressler
August 22, 2024

Disconnected: The Growing Class Divide in American Civic Life

Disconnected: Places and Spaces presents new survey findings that suggest Americans are less connected than ever before. Continue Reading →

Daniel A. Cox, Kyle Gray, Kelsey Eyre Hammond
May 28, 2024

An Unsettled Electorate: How Uncertainty and Apathy Are Shaping the 2024 Election

A survey of more than 6,500 US adults focused on the 2024 presidential election reveals a pessimistic and unsettled American electorate fractured by education, ideology, class, and gender. Continue Reading →

Generation Z and the Transformation of American Adolescence Cover Image

Daniel A. Cox, Kelsey Eyre Hammond, Kyle Gray
November 9, 2023

Generation Z and the Transformation of American Adolescence: How Gen Z’s Formative Experiences Shape Its Politics, Priorities, and Future

This report explores the foundational differences between American generations through their formative adolescent experiences. Continue Reading →