Social Network

Survey report June 8, 2021

The State of American Friendship: Change, Challenges, and Loss

Daniel A. Cox

The May 2021 American Perspectives Survey finds that Americans report having fewer close friendships than they once did, talking to their friends less often, and relying less on their friends for personal support. Continue Reading →

Blog May 13, 2021

Why Public Support for Transgender Rights is Likely to Grow

Daniel A. Cox

Public understanding of transgender policies will increasingly be informed not by news reports or political rhetoric, but through personal interactions with the people immediately affected by them. Continue Reading →

Blog April 16, 2021

Some of My Best Friends

Daniel A. Cox

Despite growing diversity in the US, few Americans have close ties to members of minority religious and racial groups. Continue Reading →

Blog February 8, 2021

If You Have a Lot of Friends, You’re Probably More Active in Politics

Daniel A. Cox, Jacqueline Clemence

Having a robust network of friends and family may encourage us to become more active in civic and political life. Continue Reading →

Commentary December 22, 2020

Democrats and Republicans Should Argue More — Not Less

Daniel A. Cox

Our survey showed that when our social circles include a more diverse mix of political beliefs, we are more open to argument and less ideologically extreme. And, arguably, the best way to get to this point is to discuss — and disagree about — politics more. Continue Reading →

Survey report December 15, 2020

Religious Diversity and Change in American Social Networks: How Our Social Connections Shape Religious Beliefs and Behavior

Daniel A. Cox

The American Social Network Survey uses a unique design to measure the race, educational background, politics, and religion of our social contacts. The results reveal that personal behavior and beliefs are socially constructed—what we know is influenced by who we know. Americans who have more politically diverse social networks express greater openness to compromise and are less bound to their own beliefs. Racial and ethnic diversity in Americans’ social networks makes one more sensitive to race issues. Continue Reading →

Event October 2, 2020

Socially distant: How our divided social networks explain our politics

Jacqueline Clemence

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 →