We Live in a Nation of Strangers. That Needs to Change
March 13, 2022
Diversity is not the source of our current problems; our troubling incuriosity about our neighbors is driving disconnection. Continue Reading →
Diversity and Disconnection
March 1, 2022
Americans who live in areas packed with neighborhood amenities tend to have a more diverse set of friends and acquaintances. Continue Reading →
The College Connection: The Education Divide in American Social and Community Life
December 13, 2021
Despite concerns about rising student debt, the economic value of a college education has never been clearer. College graduates are more socially connected, civically engaged, and active in their communities. College graduates have more extensive systems of social support, a larger number of close friends, and feel lonely and isolated less often than those without a degree. Continue Reading →
Some of My Best Friends
April 16, 2021
Despite growing diversity in the US, few Americans have close ties to members of minority religious and racial groups. Continue Reading →
For Black Voters, Friends and Family May be a Critical Link to the Democratic Party
April 2, 2021
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. Continue Reading →
Most Asian Americans Believe Their Community Experiences a lot of discrimination in the US
March 22, 2021
The rising tide of violence against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to Asian Americans’ experiences of discrimination in the US. Often thought to experience less discrimination, the survey shows that Asian Americans do not view their experiences in the same way. 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 →
Democrats and Republicans Should Argue More — Not Less
December 22, 2020
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 →
Religious Diversity and Change in American Social Networks: How Our Social Connections Shape Religious Beliefs and Behavior
December 15, 2020
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 →
Could Social Alienation Among Some Trump Supporters Help Explain Why Polls Underestimated Trump Again?
November 24, 2020
There was a large swing to Trump among white voters who had low levels of social trust — a group that researchers have found is also less likely to participate in telephone surveys. Continue Reading →
Survey Reports
In the news
July 21, 2024
Death Of the “Best Friend” In Modern Culture
July 20, 2024
