Are you feeling fulfilled and satisfied with your life? If you’re a liberal woman, the answer might be no.
According to a recent poll, liberal women are the least likely to report being fully satisfied with their lives and are more likely to feel lonely often.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The 2024 American Family Survey found that only 12% of liberal women between the ages of 18-40 reported being “completely satisfied” with their lives.
In contrast, 37% of conservative women and 28% of moderate women in the same age group said they were happy with their lives. That’s a significant difference!
The Loneliness Epidemic
But that’s not all – liberal women are also nearly three times more likely to experience loneliness at least a few times a week. This is a concerning trend, especially during the winter months when the “winter slump” can hit hard.
Why the Happiness Gap?
So, what’s behind this happiness gap? According to Brad Wilcox, a sociology professor at the University of Virginia, conservative women tend to have a greater sense of agency and control over their lives.
They’re less likely to feel like victims of circumstance and more likely to see themselves as “captains of their own fate.”
The Power of Relationships
The poll also found that conservative women are more likely to be married, with 51% reporting that they’re married, compared to 31% of liberal women.
Marriage and family can be a huge source of meaning and purpose, which may contribute to conservative women’s greater satisfaction with life.
What Contributes to Happiness?
So, what makes conservative women happier? Wilcox says it’s a combination of factors, including embracing gender differences, prioritizing family, and attending religious services.
These values and practices can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, which is essential for happiness.
The Bottom Line
The American Family Survey is a annual nationwide survey of 3,000 Americans, and the 2024 poll provides some valuable insights into the lives of liberal and conservative women.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to happiness, it’s clear that conservative women are finding fulfillment in their lives.
What can we learn from their approach to life, and how can we apply those lessons to our own lives?