Economic Individualism and American Public Opinion

This article presents an initial step toward integrating cultural beliefs into the empirical study of public opinion and mass belief systems. The specific focus of the analysis is economic individualism—beliefs in the work ethic and quality of opportunity. After a short theoretical and conceptual discussion, a measurement strategy is proposed and explored using the Center for Political Studies 1972 national election study. The effects of these two beliefs on attitudes toward social welfare and black welfare issues are then examined. Implications for the structure of belief systems and patterns of public support for various policies are discussed.