Beyond Red vs. Blue

2011 Pew Research Political Typology

The Pew Research Center’s Political Typology is a longstanding effort to sort Americans into cohesive groups based on their values, political beliefs and party affiliation. The 2011 Political Typology is the fifth study of its kind, following on previous typologies in 1987, 1994, 1999 and 2005. Like the previous studies, the new typology reveals substantial political and social differences within as well as across the two political parties. It also provides insights into the political and social values of independents, a growing segment of the American electorate, but one that is far from unified in terms of values and ideological beliefs.

Educators: If you use the Political Typology in your class, please share your feedback and help us make it a more useful tool.