Conservatives for hope and optimism?
May 15th, 2008 | by Brian |Update to: What warrants explaining: equality or inequality?
Consider what Arthur Brooks wrote in his recent post at the Freakonimics blog:
In my book I argue that conservatives are more optimistic about the future than liberals are, and believe in each individual’s ability to get ahead on the basis of achievement.Liberals are more likely to see themselves and others as victims of circumstance and oppression, and doubt whether individuals can climb without governmental help.
Via Arnold Kling at EconLog.
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2 Responses to “Conservatives for hope and optimism?”
By nub on May 19, 2008 | Reply
Ignorance, bliss, blah blah blah.
One interesting facet of this study seems to be that the results are America-specific. Many western European nations, for example, show a positive correlation between reported happiness and increased secularization and expansion of the welfare state, job satisfaction aside. In any case, I suspect a deeper cultural element at work here that goes beyond the standard conservative/liberal tropes.
By nub on May 19, 2008 | Reply
More on this here and here.