The Rise of Social Conservatism in the U.S.

According to a recent Gallup poll, 38% of Americans identify as socially conservative, up from 33% last year, marking the highest percentage since 2012. The percentage of Americans identifying as economically conservative has also increased to 44%, the highest since 2012. The increase in conservative identification on social issues over the past two years is seen among nearly all political and demographic subgroups, with Republicans showing one of the largest increases. The shift is mostly due to increasing social conservatism among Republicans, at a time when social issues such as transgender rights, abortion, and other hot-button concerns are prominent in the national public debate.