Thursday, May 15, 2014

Harvard survey finds youth moving in libertarian direction

Harvard survey reveals libertarian streak among youth | TheHill - Casey Given:

May 15, 2014 - "Last week, Harvard University's Institute of Politics released its 25th “Survey of Young Americans Attitudes toward Politics and Public Service,” providing valuable insight into the political mindset of the millennial generation. Conducted biannually since 2000, the poll traces 18- to 29-year olds’ dispositions on various hot-button issues of the day, with a sample size of 3,000 in the fall and 2,000 in the spring. While no survey is an absolute authority on the fluctuating opinions of a society as diverse as the U.S., Harvard’s last two seem to signal that young Americans’ attitudes are moving in a more libertarian direction, seeking fiscal discipline and social tolerance from their policymakers.

"First and foremost, Harvard’s latest polls points to strong disapproval of the Obama administration among millennials. A mere 47 percent approved of the president’s job performance as of April, down 11 percent from his high of 58 percent in November 2009. Furthermore, a majority disapproved of how the president has handled all eight policy categories they were asked about....

"As for policies the youth would support, the April survey unsurprisingly points to a wide array of opinions on a number of contentious issues.... Fortunately, not every proposal points to a stark divide among the youth. A number of the surveys’ policy prescriptions emphasizing fiscal discipline and social tolerance received majorities of support, revealing a libertarian theme."

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/206120-harvard-survey-reveals-libertarian-streak-among-youth
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