It is interesting to me that older generations are much more conservative. Also, I have found in my own life and in the lives of those I have grown up with that the older we get the more conservative we get on certain issues. I have considered myself a Democrat my whole life (although I don't vote party-line and will vote for the best individual), but I find myself leaning more conservative on some issues. I have my own theories on this, but would like to hear other's thoughts.
2007-03-27 11:54:39 · 18 answers · asked by straightup 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I have seen this on many instances, but this Harris Poll released today (I think) made it fresh in my mind:
http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=744
2007-03-27 11:56:09 · update #1
A couple of people said they didn't know where I was getting my info and that it was bogus, but I did give one link, of a recent poll (and I've seen many others). Additionally, it was part personal, and I'm just saying I'm less liberal than I use to be.
2007-03-28 04:33:33 · update #2
Maybe because the more money you earn, the more the government takes away to support people who choose not to work, and it's not the republicans who want to tax us more and more.
2007-03-27 13:14:34 · answer #1 · answered by Melissa 7 · 6⤊ 3⤋
First let me state that whether a political party is conservative or liberal depends on the measure you are applying. Looking at it only from a US perspective, one could say Conservative = Republican and Liberal = Democrat. However looking at it from the European view both parties are very conservative and it is really only a marginal selection. Ultimately the real winners of elections are those that take the middle ground more effectively without massively making their "base" upset.
Now to your question.....
In a nutshell:
1) As you get older and closer to the inevitable visit by one Mr. G. Reaper. You have most likely moved from a time rich, fiscally poor state to a fiscally rich, time poor state. I am not saying that all older people are rich, but relative to their younger years they move to having more money than time.
2) Coupled with this typically you take on more personal responsibilities for children (maybe even older parents).
3) Also you have most likely tried a number of ways to change the world and the system and have had a number of set backs doing that. And to be honest, you can only hold the fire of liberal change for so long before you become tired.
All of this tends to make your outlook more conservative. Thus you will see the trend in your thinking moving that way. Besides there is alot of fresh blood ready to pick up the liberal banner and fight the good fight.
2007-03-27 12:15:46 · answer #2 · answered by Jamie G 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that as we age, we begin to see how smart they were back in the day... whenever that may have been.
Those who grew up inthe 50's now realize how great structural functionalism was (where the husband/father is the bread-winner, the wife/mother is the homemaker).
Those who grew up in the 60s are now realizing how silly racism was (hopefully).
Those who grew up in the 70s are now realizing how dumb the "sex, drugs, rock'n'roll" thing was, as they see AIDS and the results of illegal drugs.
Those who grew up on the 80s now realize how dumb big hair looked.
Those who grew up in the 90s... are still growning up. Hopefully, they'll glean the wisdom from past generations and be a little smarter, a little kinder, a little healthier....
2007-03-27 14:36:34 · answer #3 · answered by Yoda's Duck 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Older people have experienced raising children and thus reconsider many moral values based on what they now believe is better for their children. Older people are also more involved in businesses or careers that require policies that promote stability and less government interference.
2007-03-30 05:20:09 · answer #4 · answered by abd180ali 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak for anyone else but for me, I've noticed it too. The older I get, the more I understand (and sometimes wish I didn't). Maybe that's why I'm becoming more conservative. I used to be the biggest liberal and I would argue with anyone who had conservative views. Now I'm the conservative. Strange.
2007-03-27 12:10:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
I don't know, I worked all my life and am now 61 and retired and still lean toward democrat. I guess I know what it is to struggle under supply side economics's, I care about the young people coming up. Democratic social programs have given me a hand up when I needed it and I didn't complain about paying my fair share of taxes when I was working.
2007-03-27 12:05:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 4⤋
I think it is because you start working and paying taxes. You also have kids and want a better world for them, nothing that pipe dream liberals offer you. When you become responsible, you become conservative.
2007-03-27 12:25:16 · answer #7 · answered by Big John 2 · 9⤊ 1⤋
I used to be a little Commie Democrat.
I was on the Democrat Plantation.
Then I got a family, worked hard, and began to realize what freedom and being an American was really all about.
You are a sensible person, and I'll bet before long, that you will escape the Democrat Plantation.
GOOD LUCK!
2007-03-27 12:04:48 · answer #8 · answered by wolf 6 · 5⤊ 4⤋
Interesting, but aren't there more younger people than old? Then why have the Republican/Conservatives been governing since 1996/98?
2007-03-27 12:00:41 · answer #9 · answered by furrryyy 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
that's a stereo type. I know a number of people in their 70's, 80's, and even on that is 90 that used to be Republicans and are now Democrats. Since they are non-Republicans, most on here would consider them to be Liberals.
2007-03-27 12:02:31 · answer #10 · answered by truth seeker 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋