Republicans are less confident in U.S. colleges than Democrats, a new study from Gallup reveals.
Only 33 percent of Republicans are confident in U.S. colleges, compared to 56 percent of Democrats. This divide is due to the “politically polarized climate” of the nation, according to Gallup.
Gallup interviewed 1,017 adults across the country, with questions concerning their confidence in U.S. colleges and why they held to their particular beliefs.
Controversial speakers, protests, student rallies, and free speech debates fuel this pessimistic opinion of colleges. The overwhelming Republican view was that particular courses push a political agenda. In recent years, colleges have earned themselves a reputation as political platforms for liberal ideology, instead of teaching strict academia.
“Republicans with low levels of confidence in colleges are most likely to cite their belief that colleges and universities are too liberal and political, that colleges don’t allow students to think for themselves and are pushing their own agenda, or that students are not taught the right material or are poorly educated,” the study states.
In other words, Republicans tend to hold to a politicized view of education.
“Republicans with low confidence tend to see the world of higher education through distinctly political eyes,” the study continues.
The reasoning behind pessimistic Democratic views differed greatly. The study reveals that most likely, Democrats view education more practically rather than politically — a luxury those on the left, aligning with the dominant views in academia, may take for granted. Those who did express a lack of confidence referred to the expense, mismanagement of funds, or the fact that students struggle to find jobs after graduation.
The study’s findings are not surprising, but the reasoning behind the split in opinion is noteworthy. This practical and political divide between Republicans and Democrats could greatly influence the future of colleges in the United States and may heavily influence the evolution of academia over the course of the coming years.
