High school subjects shape lifelong political views
High school subjects shape lifelong political views: arts lean left, business right, study finds
Why it matters
- Education shapes political beliefs beyond just level attained.
- Curriculum influences future voters.
By the numbers
- Study tracked thousands of English students.
- Arts linked to liberal views, business to conservative.
The big picture
- First study linking secondary subjects to long-term politics.
- Adolescence key for political socialization.
- Extends beyond university education focus.
What they're saying
- Need for well-rounded education highlighted.
- Questions on gender control and term usage.
Caveats
- English students only; may not generalize.
- Observational: no causality proven.
What’s next
- Research needed in other countries.
- Study mechanisms like content, peers, role models.
- Implications for curriculum design.