A recent poll by The Wall Street Journal reveals a significant decline in the importance of traditional American values over the past few decades. The survey, released on Monday, asked U.S. respondents about the significance of various cultural metrics such as patriotism, religious faith, and raising children. It found that only 39% of Americans consider their religious faith to be very important, while just 38% say the same about patriotism.
These numbers reflect a steep drop since the poll was first conducted in 1998, when 62% of Americans said religion was very important, and 70% expressed the same sentiment about patriotism.
The survey also explored social issues, finding that many respondents believe the U.S. has not done enough to promote gender equality, acceptance of gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals, and racial and ethnic diversity in institutions like businesses and universities. However, when it comes to accommodating transgender individuals, a larger portion of respondents—43%—feel that American society has gone too far. Less than a quarter think the country has struck the right balance, while 33% believe more should be done.
Opinions on the use of transgender pronouns were divided, with about half of those surveyed expressing a somewhat or very unfavorable view. Only 18% had a favorable opinion, and 32% were neutral on the matter.
Conducted in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, the poll surveyed 1,019 Americans from March 1 to March 13, with a margin of error of 4.1%.
This poll is part of a broader trend showing declining emphasis on patriotism and related values in the U.S. For instance, a 2022 Fox News poll reported a 30% decrease in national pride compared to 2011. Similarly, a 2019 poll by The Wall Street Journal and NBC indicated that younger generations in the U.S. do not share many of the same values as their older counterparts.
