Sources of Political Attitudes

The Family The Strongest High correlation between parents’ party affiliation and child’s Most who do not share parents’ affiliation call themselves “Independent”

Schools High School Gov’t classes have little apparent influence on political orientation College students more liberal than general population; more schooling=more liberal attitudes College students in social sciences most liberal

Religion Protestants—Generally more conservative, especially “evangelicals” Catholics—Traditionally more liberal, but importance of social issues (esp. abortion)  greater degree of conservativism Jews—Most liberal; strong support for Democratic party

Ethnicity Whites—Generally more conservative Blacks—More liberal (>80% vote democratic) Hispanics—Mexican-Americans and Puerto Ricans more liberal; Cubans more conservative

Income Generally Higher Income=more conservative. Exceptions: Political elites, “New Class”