Pew Research Center survey reports, demographic studies and data-driven analysis
Health Reform Still Hard to Understand
Despite being the public’s top story, most Americans are still confused by the health care debate.
At Year’s End, Nation Remains Divided
As has been the case since October, roughly half the country approves of President Obama’s job. The nation is also divided on Afghanistan and health care. One rare point of agreement, though, is that the economy remains poor.
Media Debate Climate Change
The press used “Climate-gate” and Copenhagen as sparks to question the science of global warming, giving the topic by far its most coverage since PEJ began tracking the news.
Teens and Sexting
Among cell-owning teenagers, 15% say they have received sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images of someone they know via text messaging.
Between Two Worlds: How Young Latinos Come of Age in America
Never before in this country’s history has a minority ethnic group made up so large a share of the youngest Americans.
Public Follows War, Talks Tiger
While far fewer say they followed news about the golfer than about the troop decision, as many people say they talked with friends about Tiger Woods’ troubles as about Afghanistan.
Minarets, Climate Controversies Online
Arguments over Switzerland’s banning the building of minarets and a continuing debate over climate change filled blogs last week.
Who are they? How are they different from –and similar to — their parents? How is their moment in history shaping them? And how might they, in turn, reshape America in the decades ahead?
Many Americans Not Dogmatic About Religion
Numerous Americans attend worship services of more than one faith or denomination, and many also mix Christianity with Eastern or New Age beliefs such as reincarnation, astrology and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects. Sizeable minorities of all major U.S. religious groups say they have experienced supernatural phenomena.
Surge in Afghanistan Coverage
The war in Afghanistan, as was the case with coverage of Iraq, is a bigger story when it is more a domestic political story than one about combat. Also, morning shows propel Woods and the Salahis to the top of the news agenda, but well below the war.