America’s Crisis of Confidence: Rising Mistrust, Conspiracies, and Vaccine Hesitancy After COVID-19
September 28, 2023
America is experiencing a crosscutting crisis of expertise and scientific distrust accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic that poses significant challenges to democratic debate and public decision-making Continue Reading →
What the Rise in Dog Attacks Signals About the State of America’s Social Capital
July 17, 2023
In the wake of the pandemic, the increase in both dog attacks and individual antisocial behavior seems to be a consequence of our deteriorating social capital. Continue Reading →
Faith After the Pandemic: How COVID-19 Changed American Religion
January 5, 2023
The Survey Center on American Life at AEI teamed up with researchers at NORC at the University of Chicago to measure religious affiliation and attendance both before the pandemic (2018 to March 2020) and again in spring 2022, revealing who remained at the pews, who returned to the pews, and who left. Continue Reading →
Public Places and Commercial Spaces: How Neighborhood Amenities Foster Trust and Connection in American Communities
October 20, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Americans across the country to reconsider their residential priorities. Today, many Americans would prefer to live in small towns or rural areas rather than denser urban neighborhoods, and they are more likely to prioritize personal space over access to community amenities. The report investigates the physical and social features of local communities that Americans value most. Continue Reading →
Controversy and Consensus: Perspectives on Race, Religion, and COVID-19 in Public Schools
September 22, 2021
At a time of rapid cultural change, Americans continue to debate what students should learn about race, sex, and religion. While the public broadly supports students learning about America’s complicated racial legacy, political divisions persist. Democrats are far more willing to defer to teachers, while Republicans want a much larger role for parents in education decisions. Continue Reading →
The Great American Jobs Reshuffle
July 15, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic decimated American workplaces, yet workers’ experiences varied dramatically. This report examines current unemployment trends and how workers navigate an uncertain environment. In the wake of the pandemic, workplace flexibility is more important for everyone, even if not all workers agree on the benefits of remote work. 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 →
Older Americans Support Getting Vaccinated Regardless of Their Politics or the Perceived Threat of COVID-19
January 8, 2021
As the US ramps up vaccinations, political identity is important in predicting the behavior of younger Americans. 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 →
Survey Reports
In the news
September 24, 2023
Being There
September 24, 2023
Feeling Lonely? Go to the Library
September 23, 2023
Biden Grapples with Concerns Over Young Black Voter Support
September 18, 2023