American Men Suffer a Friendship Recession
July 6, 2021
After a prolonged period of social isolation, Americans are dusting off their social calendars. But as Americans try to rebuild and reconnect, a new survey conducted by the Survey Center on American Life finds that the social landscape is far less favorable than it once was. Continue Reading →
Men’s Social Circles are Shrinking
June 29, 2021
As the pandemic recedes, the American economy will recover. Most businesses will adapt, evolve, and ultimately thrive. The future of American social life looks much bleaker. Continue Reading →
Peer Pressure, Not Politics, May Matter Most When it Comes to Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
June 29, 2021
Americans experience widely different levels of social pressure to get the COVID-19 vaccine. And for better or worse, our friends exercise considerable influence over the information we have and the decisions we make. Continue Reading →
Is Social Isolation Hampering the Vaccine Rollout?
June 23, 2021
Americans who are socially disconnected report far lower vaccination rates and may ultimately prove to be an important impediment. Continue Reading →
What Does it Mean to be a Best Friend?
June 8, 2021
American friendships have come under considerable stress over the past year, but even in the wake of a global pandemic, most Americans still have at least one close friend. In fact, 87 percent of Americans have one or more close friends. These close friendships are critical to our wellbeing. Americans who have a close friendship Continue Reading →
The State of American Friendship: Change, Challenges, and Loss
June 8, 2021
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 →
Why Public Support for Transgender Rights is Likely to Grow
May 13, 2021
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 →
If You Have a Lot of Friends, You’re Probably More Active in Politics
February 8, 2021
Having a robust network of friends and family may encourage us to become more active in civic and political life. Continue Reading →
Holiday Spending in 2020
December 17, 2020
The holidays look different this year. In addition to traveling less, having smaller gatherings, and gathering virtually, Americans are also altering their spending habits. Continue Reading →
For Republicans, Abortion Attitudes Differ Depending on the Composition of Their Social Circle
October 7, 2020
Although abortion attitudes are highly polarized between the two parties and the issue remains contentious, among Republicans, views vary depending on their political networks. Continue Reading →
Survey Reports
In the news
May 7, 2022
How Many Friends Do You Really Need?
April 30, 2022