2008 Woodie Awards
Harvard Poll Evaluates Ideology of College Students
Leighanne Noonan
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: News
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This past week a new poll examining the opinions of college students was released by Harvard University's Institute of Politics (IOP). The IOP, which is located at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, examined the importance of religion to college students. Addressing a series of topics and issues, the poll found that while religion is important in the lives of seven out of 10 college students, the role of religion and morality in government is divided along party lines.
The IOP surveyed 1,500 college students chosen at random. The questions covered a range of "hot button" current events while evaluating the religious and political stance of this age group at this time.
The poll came to a variety of conclusions regarding the current beliefs of college students. Conclusions included opinions on morality, religion, the current government and future elections.
While religion is important to the majority of college students, there are differences along party lines. According to the press release, "Republicans say that religion is losing its influence on American life and by a seven to one margin believe that is a 'bad thing.' Fifty-four percent (54%) of college Democrats say that religion is increasing its influence and by a two to one margin believe that is a 'bad thing.'"
However, both parties are concerned with the moral direction of the country as a whole. Overall, the importance of this issue was higher than in polling of recent years. There was a majority in both parties addressing this apprehension.
In regards to the global scene, "College students continue to support a more multilateral U.S. foreign affairs stance and are conflicted over unilateral action to prevent nuclear weapons development, including in Iran." Nearly three-fourths of college students think that the United States should allow more international involvement, specifically of the United Nations, in global crises. Seven out of 10 students believe that the United States should withdraw some or all of their troops from Iraq. Nearly 60 percent said withdrawal is necessary while only 12 percent wanted a complete recall of U.S. forces.
The IOP surveyed 1,500 college students chosen at random. The questions covered a range of "hot button" current events while evaluating the religious and political stance of this age group at this time.
The poll came to a variety of conclusions regarding the current beliefs of college students. Conclusions included opinions on morality, religion, the current government and future elections.
While religion is important to the majority of college students, there are differences along party lines. According to the press release, "Republicans say that religion is losing its influence on American life and by a seven to one margin believe that is a 'bad thing.' Fifty-four percent (54%) of college Democrats say that religion is increasing its influence and by a two to one margin believe that is a 'bad thing.'"
However, both parties are concerned with the moral direction of the country as a whole. Overall, the importance of this issue was higher than in polling of recent years. There was a majority in both parties addressing this apprehension.
In regards to the global scene, "College students continue to support a more multilateral U.S. foreign affairs stance and are conflicted over unilateral action to prevent nuclear weapons development, including in Iran." Nearly three-fourths of college students think that the United States should allow more international involvement, specifically of the United Nations, in global crises. Seven out of 10 students believe that the United States should withdraw some or all of their troops from Iraq. Nearly 60 percent said withdrawal is necessary while only 12 percent wanted a complete recall of U.S. forces.
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