Political Ideology and Education in the United States: The Case of Climate Change Education

• In Event: Examinations of Policy Across K-16 Contexts

Abstract

Scholars have documented the growing impact of political ideology on beliefs and behaviors. Most research on public opinion on education, however, focuses on differences based on party alignment. In this study, we analyze how liberals, moderates, and conservatives differ in their support for integrating climate change (CC) into school curricula and facilities. Using a national survey (n=2,019) we find that political ideology predicts support for CC education, with liberals showing higher support compared to conservatives. Three factors account for this trend: (a) views on the causes of CC and levels of concern, (b) belief that schools play an important role in addressing CC, and (c) trust in the education system. We discuss implications for theory, research, and practice.

Authors

• Christina Ann Torres, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Oren Pizmony-Levy, Teachers College, Columbia University