Significant Figures

Even as gay and lesbian issues have slipped from national headlines, public attitudes on LGBTQ issues continue to evolve.

Recent work shows that all Americans—men and women alike—benefit when they develop intimate and emotionally supportive connections with their friends. But quantity matters too.

The June American Perspectives Survey offers some clues as to what Americans believe is truly necessary for living a full and rewarding life.

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.

Americans who are socially disconnected report far lower vaccination rates and may ultimately prove to be an important impediment.

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

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.

At a time of heightened racial tensions in the US and growing violence against Asian citizens, it is not clear why there would be a sudden surge in positive feeling towards Muslims.

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

With high turnout in the 2020 election, black voters appear poised to remain a critical constituency in the Democratic Party. But their strong support for Democratic candidates and continued political involvement is a function of their social circumstances.