Right-wingers really are nicer people, latest research shows

[bijou]

George Orwell once wrote that politics was closely related to social identity. 'One sometimes gets the impression,' he wrote in The Road To Wigan Pier, 'that the mere words socialism and communism draw towards them with magnetic force every fruit-juice drinker, nudist, sandal-wearer, sex-maniac, Quaker, nature-cure quack, pacifist and feminist in England'.

Orwell was making an observation. But today a whole body of academic research shows he was correct: your politics influence the manner in which you live your life. And the news is not so good for those on the political Left.

There is plenty of data that shows that Right-wingers are happier, more generous to charities, less likely to commit suicide - and even hug their children more than those on the Left.

...

The statistics I base this on come from the General Social Survey, America's premier social research database, but they are just as relevant to the UK, as I believe political belief systems drive one's attitudes, regardless of where you happen to live.

Those surveyed were asked: 'Is it your obligation to care for a seriously injured/ill spouse or parent, or should you give care only if you really want to?' Of those describing themselves as 'conservative', 71 per cent said it was. Only 46 per cent of those on the Left agreed.

To the question: 'Do you get happiness by putting someone else's happiness ahead of your own?', 55 per cent of those who said they were 'very conservative' said Yes, compared with 20 per cent of those who were 'very liberal'.

It's been my experience that conservatives like to talk about things outside of themselves while progressives like to discuss themselves: how they are feeling and what their desires are. That might make for a good therapy session but it's not much fun over a long dinner.

Research also indicates those on the Left are less interested in getting married: 30 per cent of those who were 'very liberal' said it was important, in contrast to 65 per cent of Right-wingers.

The same holds true when the question of having children arises. Progressive American cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have become 'childless liberal boutique' cities, according to Joel Kotkin, an expert on urban development.

While 69 per cent of those who called themselves 'very conservative' said it was important for them to have children, only 38 per cent of corresponding liberals agreed.

Many on the Left proudly proclaim themselves 'child-free'. While some do not want children on ecological grounds, much has to do with the fact that they simply don't want the responsibility of having a child.

When asked by the World Values Survey whether parents should sacrifice their own well-being for those of their children, those on the Left were nearly twice as likely to say No.

'I'll have babies if you pay for them,' one Leftie blogger said on the social networking website yelp.com.

...

more here

I love the way George Orwell nailed the left, both then and now. 

[Rebel]

....and ice is cold, fire is hot, and beer is tasty. Next research topic on the Blatantly Obvious. 

[Lord Undies]

Next we will research which makes better pets:  Wolverine vs. Basset Hound

[DixieBelle]

I find it interesting that people used to say, "oh they are childless" years ago. Now, people say, "oh they are childfree". Interesting little twist there.

Not that I'm bashing couples who decide to not have children. That's a highly personal choice and I applaud people who admit it's not for them and go out of their way to keep from having them. Conversely, my hat is off to people who welcome any children that may come along and especially those who open their hearts and homes to adoptees.

I just find it interesting that we've gone from being pro-family and lamenting the lack of children in a marriage to almost demonizing those who do have children and claiming some sort of moral high ground if you are "childfree".

/rant off

[MrsSmith]

I've only known a few "childfree" couples...but they were 100% made up of children.  (meaning they didn't have kids because they would have had to give up some of their toys to do so.)

[DixieBelle]

^LOL! Me too actually.

[Chris_]

I've only known a few "childfree" couples...but they were 100% made up of children.  (meaning they didn't have kids because they would have had to give up some of their toys to do so.)

Some of us just never had that "I want to have a child" feeling.  Eyesight to the blind.

I assure you it has nothing to do with the status of my "toys."

[DixieBelle]

I've only known a few "childfree" couples...but they were 100% made up of children.  (meaning they didn't have kids because they would have had to give up some of their toys to do so.)

Some of us just never had that "I want to have a child" feeling.  Eyesight to the blind.

I assure you it has nothing to do with the status of my "toys."

I think she was just pointing out a segment of the the "childfree" population. Not everyone who makes an informed decision like yourself.