The Twelve Tribes of American Politics
Atlantic, The, January, 2006
This chart breaks the 2004 electorate into twelve politically relevant "tribes" based on their values, behaviors, and religious affiliation. Each circle corresponds in relative size to the group it represents. The chart reveals some polarization of the electorate. But it also shows that voting preferences do not sort as neatly by cultural values or religious affiliation as people might expect.
Tribe definitions are below. Religious right: White evangelical Protestants with traditional beliefs and practices Heartland culture warriors: White non-evangelical Christians with ...