Political Issues

While views of and experiences with police vary substantially across demographic groups, there is support for a number of police reforms.

As 2021 draws to a close, here are some of Pew Research Center’s most striking research findings from the past year.

In 2018-19, 79% of White elementary and secondary public school students went to schools where at least half of their peers were also White.

65% of Americans say that people being too easily offended is a major problem; 53% say the same about people saying offensive things to others.

Americans are closely divided over whether people convicted of crimes spend too much, too little or about the right amount of time in prison.

Many experts say public online spaces will significantly improve by 2035 if reformers, big technology firms, governments and activists tackle the problems created by misinformation, disinformation and toxic discourse. Others expect continuing troubles as digital tools and forums are used to exploit people’s frailties, stoke their rage and drive them apart.

Germans and Americans have both become more skeptical of China.

A minority of Twitter users produce a majority of tweets from U.S. adults, and the most active tweeters are less likely to view the tone or civility of discussions as a major problem on the site.

Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.

Pew Research Center’s political typology provides a roadmap to today’s fractured political landscape. It organizes the public into nine distinct groups, based on an analysis of their attitudes and values. Even in a polarized era, the 2021 survey reveals deep divisions in both partisan coalitions.