Why are PhD's usually liberals?

Question

1) is it because being liberal makes you 'smarter'
2) to be different?
3) to acknowledge that the effort they put in for a higher salary wasn't any more than the guy who pumps your gas puts in on a daily basis-- (to discourage their peers and make the work they did seem easy)
4) other

this is based on experience (sorry)

Yeah, maybe I've just been in contact with the so called 'ultra-liberals'.

Everyone seems to be making good points.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure only a fraction of the population has the aptitude let alone the discipline to complete a PhD program.

Answer 1

Just quoting a friend who once explained to me that PhD's are usually teaching classes instead of actually making progress in their fields. They have spent their careers in academia instead of out in the working world. It is much easier to be extremely liberal regarding many fiscal items when one is watching rather than living the life. It is similar to those who are fervent about the use of genetically altered crops who have never actually seen a farm.

One doesn't have to be liberal to be bright.

Answer 2

I would say #4 (and I have to say that I don't understand your #3 at all, and I do have a Ph.D.!). In general, being "liberal" implies an embracing of change and a willingness to look at things from the perspective of others, while conservatives tend to value historical stability and tradition. The more education you have, the more different perspectives you are exposed to and the more you learn to question existing assumptions, which would seem consistent with liberal approaches. Having said that, though, I do know some Ph.D.s who are conservatives. I don't necessarily agree with them, but I respect their right to their viewpoints and acknowledge that they are also intelligent people who drew different conclusions from their examination of the issues than I did.

Answer 3

Like the post below says, academia breeds liberalism. Perhaps the whole concept of liberal arts education closely relates to the ideals of liberal politics. By introducing a student to many intellectual challenges the student will become well-rounded and able to better examine and understand oneself along with the complexities of other cultures. Maybe this sounds more liberal than conservative. who knows....im tired, good night.

Answer 4

Whoa... You really don't need a high IQ to receive a PhD. Any idiot with enough money and patience can get one. I know a lot of undergrads that get a lot more jobs, get paid more, and have a lot more (educational) rep then most graduate students do.

My College instructor has a masters of arts, and I could probably give her a run for her money (figuratively).

Answer 5

Your argument is backwards


Academia breeds liberalism. Not because it is smater to be a liberal, but because liberals flourish in the self important world of university, protected from reality.

Academics pontificate about life. They rarely live it.

Answer 6

Perhaps you should reword your question to "why is it that most of the PhDs I know are liberal?"

Otherwise, please cite some sources.