Political attitudes have become more doctrinaire at both ends of the political spectrum, a new study by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press finds, but the center is increasingly populated by voters whose views defy traditional conservative or liberal classification.
In its first “political typology” study since 2005, Pew found the most visible shift was the blurring of the long-standing divide between economic, pro-business conservatives and social conservatives, and the emergence of an across-the-board conservative bloc. On the other end are solid liberals who hold diametrically opposite views.
Groups in the middle are harder to read, however. Some may, for example, share secular attitudes on social issues such as homosexuality or abortion, but differ sharply on attitudes toward government regulation. These, Pew says, will be a challenge for politicians.
Want to know where you fit in? The report also includes a quiz.