Abortion Opinion Contextualized within State Reproductive Policy Paradigms

• In Event: 2351 - Section on the Sociology of Sex and Gender Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 4. Gendered Differences Arose Institutions

Abstract

Using data from the 2014 Pew Religious Landscape Study this project examines variation in opinion on abortion in the United States. This unique dataset allows evaluation of differences by state, and thus state-level factors, as well as individual-level correlates are considered as predictors. Specifically, individual characteristics such as age, gender, and education, as well as political ideology and religiosity, are examined alongside state grade on reproductive rights as established by NARAL Pro-Choice America. Findings reinforce those from previous research on the divisive abortion issue, while suggesting the close tie between public opinion and state-level legislation. This project thus contributes to our understanding of how opinion on abortion is formed using this new dataset, as well as highlights the relationship between state context and public opinion.

Author

• Mikaela Smith, The Ohio State University