Pew Research Center: Mapping Public Opinion and Social Trends
In an era of rapid societal change, understanding the shifting currents of public opinion is essential. The Pew Research Center, based in Washington, D.C., serves as a premier nonpartisan think tank dedicated to providing empirical data on the social issues, demographic trends, and public opinions shaping both the United States and the global community.
Unlike many policy-driven organizations, Pew distinguishes itself by remaining neutral; it does not take policy stances. Instead, it focuses on the rigorous collection and analysis of data through various methodologies, including random sample survey research, panel-based surveys, and media content analysis.
Key Facts
- Status: Nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
- Parent Institution: A subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
- Leadership: Led by Head Michael Dimock and Chair Robert Groves.
- Workforce: Employs a staff of over 160 professionals.
- Financials: Reported $36 million in revenue and $43 million in expenses for FYE June 2021.
- Transparency: A charter member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research's Transparency Initiative.
History and Evolution
The origins of the center date back to 1990, when the Times Mirror Company established the Times Mirror Center for the People & the Press to conduct polls on politics and policy. Under the direction of Andrew Kohut, who took over in 1993, the organization grew in scope. By 1996, The Pew Charitable Trusts became the primary sponsor, leading to a name change to the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.
The modern iteration of the Pew Research Center was officially established in Washington, D.C., on July 1, 2004. The leadership has evolved over the decades, with Andrew Kohut transitioning to founding director in 2013, followed by Alan Murray as the second president. In October 2014, Michael Dimock, a veteran of the center for 14 years, was appointed president.
Funding and Organizational Structure
As a tax-exempt nonprofit, the center is primarily funded by its parent organization, The Pew Charitable Trusts. This relationship allows the center to maintain its focus on empirical social science without the pressure of commercial interests.
While the trust provides the bulk of the funding, Pew occasionally partners with other organizations for specialized studies. For example, research regarding the demographics of global religions has been jointly funded by the Templeton Foundation through the Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project.
Research Scope and Areas of Focus
The Pew Research Center employs a wide array of empirical social science techniques—research based on observed and measured phenomena—to cover a vast spectrum of human experience. Their research is categorized into several primary topic areas:
- Politics and Society: U.S. politics, policy positions, and international affairs.
- Identity and Demographics: Race, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ rights, and age/generational trends.
- Culture and Beliefs: Religion, family, and interpersonal relationships.
- Modern Life: The economy, work, science, internet, technology, and news/media habits.
- Global Perspectives: Immigration, migration, and specific regional or country-based studies.
Beyond these topics, the center also conducts methodological research to improve the accuracy and reliability of public opinion polling.
Organizational Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | July 1, 2004 |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Parent Organization | The Pew Charitable Trusts |
| Primary Goal | Nonpartisan empirical social science research |
| Staff Size | 160+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pew Research Center advocate for specific laws or policies?
No. The Pew Research Center explicitly states that it does not take policy stances, maintaining a nonpartisan approach to its research.
How is the Pew Research Center funded?
It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, which serves as its primary funder. Some specific projects, such as those on global religion, receive joint funding from the Templeton Foundation.
What types of research methods does Pew use?
The center utilizes public opinion polling, demographic research, random sample surveys, panel-based surveys, and media content analysis.
Who currently leads the Pew Research Center?
The center is led by Head Michael Dimock, with Robert Groves serving as Chair.
What is the relationship between Pew and the Times Mirror Company?
The center began as the Times Mirror Center for the People & the Press in 1990 before The Pew Charitable Trusts became the primary sponsor in 1996.