Pew Research Center for the People & the Press released results of a new study examining what qualities are most important to teach children. Some traits stood out as universally important, including “Responsibility” (chosen by more than 90 percent of respondents), “Hard Work” and “Good Manners” (85 percent). However, the percentage who felt certain traits such as “Faith,” “Obedience” and “Tolerance” were important differed widely depending on the ideology of those asked.
Ninety percent of those who self-identified as “consistent liberals” felt “Helping Others” was an important trait; this was true in only 77 percent of those who called themselves “consistent conservatives.” “Independence” and “Persistence” were valued equally by each. But while the mostly/consistently conservative valued “Religious Faith” second overall, “Empathy for Others” took that position for the mostly/consistently liberal. “Obedience” ranked last among all qualities; 15 percent of conservatives and 3 percent of liberals felt this was an important value to teach kids.
A majority of both men and women felt children should learn to “Help Others,” but more women agreed with this than men. Similarly, 75 percent of women said “Empathy” was an important value for children while only 61 percent of men agree. Women also more often than men said teaching “Religious Faith” was important (56 percent vs. 50 percent).
Older adults (65 and older) also are somewhat more likely to prioritize “Obedience” (68 percent say this is important, compared with 56 percent of those younger than 30). Young adults place greater value on “Creativity” (78 percent of those under 30 vs. 68 percent of those over 65). Young adults are also somewhat less likely than older adults to say “Responsibility” is important (47 percent vs. 65 percent).
