Place matters. When given a choice, most people prefer to live close to the basics of community life—schools, stores, parks, and restaurants. Continue Reading →

Commentary May 20, 2019

Having a Library or Cafe Down the Block Could Change Your Life

Daniel A. Cox, Ryan Streeter

Living near community-oriented public and commercial spaces brings a host of social benefits. People living in amenity-rich communities are much less likely to feel isolated from others. Continue Reading →

Blog April 19, 2019

The Decline of Church Membership

Daniel A. Cox

A new survey by Gallup finds that membership in religious congregations is plummeting. Continue Reading →

Though most Americans say they believe in God, many express doubts that God exists. A new research approach finds that doubts about God are even more prevalent than previous surveys suggest—a pattern evident among believers and nonbelievers alike. Continue Reading →

Commentary March 21, 2019

Fewer Americans Think LGBT People Face Discrimination

Daniel A. Cox

Perception of discrimination against LGBT people have plummeted in the last few years. Still, the drop has not coincided with a broader shift in the public’s thinking about discrimination in society overall. Continue Reading →

One-quarter of Americans are religiously unaffiliated today, and Christian denominations are contending with massive drops. The success of the Mormon Church may have to do with their unrelenting focus on the family. Continue Reading →

Only 58 percent of Mormon voters said they would back Trump over Democratic candidate Joe Biden, the current leading contender for the nomination. Continue Reading →

Survey Reports

Daniel A. Cox
July 2, 2025

America’s Cultural Crossroads: Enduring Discontent, Rising Disconnection, and an Uncertain Future

A new survey from the Survey Center on American Life shows Americans are changing course on major cultural issues—from immigration and gay rights to gender roles and public trust. Continue Reading →

Daniel A. Cox, Kelsey Eyre Hammond
January 29, 2025

Romantic Recession: How Politics, Pessimism, and Anxiety Shape American Courtship

A new report by the Survey Center on American life finds that safety concerns and declining trust are reshaping modern dating, leaving many singles feeling pessimistic about their prospects. Sharp gender divides in attitudes toward dating apps, trust, and relationships reveal how these challenges are redefining the search for connection. Continue Reading →

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 →