The New Political Map of the United States

A new book published by the Pew Research Center details the demographic changes that will shape the politics—beyond presidential elections—of the future.

1 minute read

January 29, 2016, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


2008 Presidential Election

Spitfire19 / Wikimedia Commons

Writing for the Pew Research Center, Paul Taylor provides a preview of his book, The Next America: Boomers, Millennials, and the Looming Generational Showdown, released this week in paperback.

The post includes eight key takeaways from the first chapter of the book—though each point is relevant to the politics of planning and land use. Abridged versions of a few of the more revealing of the eight takeaways, with more detail found in the article, follow:

  • Americans are increasingly sorted into think-alike communities that reflect not only their politics but their demographics.
  • The cleavages between the political tribes spill beyond politics into everyday life.
  • The public remains in a foul mood, frustrated by stagnant incomes, a shrinking middle class and gruesome global terrorism.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 in Pew Research Center

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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