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Cognitive Sophistication, Religion, and the Trump Vote

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  • Darren E. Sherkat

Abstract

Objectives Support for Donald has been linked to religious commitments and education, though the issue of how cognitive sophistication may play a role in his support has rarely been examined. This study explores how cognitive sophistication and religion influenced political orientations and Trump voting. Methods Data from the 2018 General Social Survey are examined. Logistic regression is used to predict voting and choice. Structural equation models are estimated to examine the interrelationships between cognitive ability, education, religious commitments, political orientations, and the Trump vote. Results Cognitive sophistication was found to have a positive effect on voting, but a negative effect on choosing Trump. The influence of cognitive sophistication works through its support for secular beliefs and opposition to biblical inerrancy, influencing Republican partisanship and political conservatism that favored Trump. Conclusions Cognitive sophistication and educational attainment are important for influencing political commitments and the Trump vote, and the effect of cognitive sophistication is entwined with its negative association with religious fundamentalism and positive association with secularism.

Suggested Citation

  • Darren E. Sherkat, 2021. "Cognitive Sophistication, Religion, and the Trump Vote," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 102(1), pages 179-197, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:102:y:2021:i:1:p:179-197
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12906
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Keister,Lisa A., 2011. "Faith and Money," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521721103, October.
    2. Rachel Milstein Sondheimer & Donald P. Green, 2010. "Using Experiments to Estimate the Effects of Education on Voter Turnout," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 54(1), pages 174-189, January.
    3. Patrick J. Egan, 2020. "Identity as Dependent Variable: How Americans Shift Their Identities to Align with Their Politics," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 64(3), pages 699-716, July.
    4. Keister,Lisa A., 2011. "Faith and Money," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521896511, October.
    5. David E. Campbell & Geoffrey C. Layman & John C. Green & Nathanael G. Sumaktoyo, 2018. "Putting Politics First: The Impact of Politics on American Religious and Secular Orientations," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 62(3), pages 551-565, July.
    6. repec:cup:judgdm:v:14:y:2019:i:2:p:179-186 is not listed on IDEAS
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    1. Kevin McCaffree & Anondah Saide & Michael Shermer, 2024. "The New Nones: An Empirical Study of Dual Religious and Political Non-affiliation," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(1), pages 264-276, March.

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