Poll: 62% of Americans Say They Have Political Views They’re Afraid to Share – Cato Institute

Nearly athird (32%) of employed Americans say they personally are worried about missing out on career opportunities or losing their job if their political opinions became known. These results are particularly notable given that most personal campaign contributions to political candidates are public knowledge and can easily be found online.

And its not just one side of the political spectrum: 31% of liberals, 30% of moderates and 34% of conservatives are worried their political views could get them fired or harm their career trajectory. This suggests that its not necessarily just one particular set of views that has moved outside of acceptable public discourse. Instead these results are more consistent with a walking on eggshells thesis that people increasingly fear awide range of political views could offend others or could negatively impact themselves.

These concerns are also crosspartisan, although more Republicans are worried: 28% of Democrats, 31% of independents, and 38% of Republicans are worried about how their political opinions could impact their career trajectories.

Americans with diverse backgrounds share this concern that their employment could be adversely affected if their political views were discovered: 38% of Hispanic Americans, 22% of African Americans, 31% of White Americans, 35% of men, 27% of women, 36% of households earning less than $20,000 ayear, and 33% of households earning more than $100,000 ayear agree.

Some are more worried about losing their jobs or missing out on job opportunities because of political views. Those with the highest levels of education are most concerned. Almost half (44%) of Americans with postgraduate degrees say they are worried their careers could be harmed if others discovered their political opinions, compared to 34% of college graduates, 28% of those with some college experience, and 25% of high school graduates

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Poll: 62% of Americans Say They Have Political Views They're Afraid to Share - Cato Institute