America’s Education Gap Is Fueling Culture Wars and Shaping Consumer Choices

Deep divisions in education are redefining politics, society, and spending habits nationwide.

What to Know:

  • 61% of voters with postgraduate degrees lean Democratic, while 63% of White voters without a degree lean Republican.

  • 51% of LinkedIn users have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while only 10% have a high school diploma or less.

  • 38% of TikTok users have a high school degree, showing higher engagement among less formally educated demographics.

  • Higher-educated consumers favor sustainable brands, while less-educated consumers prioritize affordability and loyalty to trusted brands.

  • Critical Race Theory (CRT) argues that racism is embedded in laws and policies, making it a key issue in education debates.

A deep divide in education is driving political realignment, fueling culture wars, and reshaping consumer trends. In an era where nearly everything is politicized—from the books students read to the brands people buy—one of the most defining factors of American identity has become formal education.

The Roots of the Educational Divide

The educational divide in American politics has deepened over recent decades, significantly influencing party affiliation and ideological perspectives. According to a 2024 report by the Pew Research Center, 61% of voters with postgraduate degrees identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, while 37% align with the Republican Party. 

Among those with a bachelor's degree but no graduate education, the split is closer: 51% Democratic to 46% Republican. In contrast, White voters without a bachelor's degree show a strong preference for the Republican Party, with 63% identifying or leaning Republican compared to 33% for the Democratic Party. 

Educational attainment is a strong predictor of political affiliation in the U.S. Source: Pew Research Center 

This divergence extends beyond party lines, reflecting differing worldviews. Higher educational attainment often correlates with progressive social values and trust in institutions like science and the media. Conversely, individuals without a college degree are more likely to prioritize traditional social values and exhibit skepticism toward these institutions. 

Education and the Culture Wars

Education has become a central battleground in America's culture wars, with issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT), gender identity in schools, and vaccine mandates fueling intense debates. For instance, a survey by the Association of American Educators found that only 4.1% of teachers were required to teach CRT, yet the topic has sparked widespread controversy. 

What is Critical Race Theory (CRT)?

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an academic framework that examines how race and systemic racism shape laws, policies, and institutions. It originated in legal studies in the 1970s and argues that racism is not just a matter of individual bias but is embedded in societal structures.

CRT is a hot-button issue in education, with debates over its inclusion in school curricula. Critics argue it promotes division, while supporters see it as essential for understanding racial inequality.

Political leaders have seized upon these educational divides, framing policies around public school curricula, higher education funding, and student loan forgiveness as proxies for larger ideological battles over national identity. This has transformed educational settings into arenas for broader societal conflicts, further entrenching partisan divisions.

Consumer Behavior and the Education Gap

Beyond politics, the educational divide significantly influences American consumer behavior. According to a 2024 McKinsey & Company report, higher-educated consumers are more inclined toward sustainable products and socially conscious brands, often choosing experiences over material possessions. In contrast, those with less formal education prioritize value, practicality, and loyalty to established brands (McKinsey & Company).

These preferences manifest in various aspects of daily life, including media consumption. For instance, a 2021 Pew Research Center study found that 51% of adults with a bachelor's or advanced degree use LinkedIn, compared to 28% of those with some college experience and 10% with a high school diploma or less.

Data source: Pew Research Center

Similarly, a 2023 Statista report highlighted that 38% of TikTok users had a high school degree, indicating a higher engagement among less formally educated demographics.These trends underscore how education level shapes consumer choices, from the brands individuals support to the media platforms they engage with, reflecting broader cultural and societal divides.

The educational divide isn’t just driving cultural disagreements; it’s contributing to real-world consequences for democracy and social cohesion. According to political scientist Jonathan Rauch in The Atlantic, this growing chasm threatens to erode common ground necessary for democratic compromise.

Bridging the Gap

Addressing the educational divide will require more than just policy adjustments—it demands a cultural shift. 

  • Investment in equitable access to quality education, better funding for public schools, and affordable pathways to higher education are essential first steps.

  • Programs aimed at adult education and workforce training can also help close the gap, offering non-college-educated workers better economic opportunities and reducing the cultural alienation they may feel in an increasingly degree-dependent society.

Misinformation thrives in environments where educational disparities persist. Lower levels of educational attainment are often correlated with greater susceptibility to misinformation and distrust of traditional news sources, exacerbating political polarization.

Wrap Up

The educational divide in the U.S. is not just an academic issue—it’s a cultural and political fault line driving many of the nation’s deepest disagreements. While consumer habits and spending patterns reflect this divide, the real consequences are playing out in schools, voting booths, and community spaces across the country.

Recognizing the power of education as both a divider and a unifier is the first step in addressing the rifts it has created. Without meaningful intervention, the cultural and political battles fueled by this divide are likely to grow even more entrenched.

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John Connors

John Connors

John is a passionate patriot and business owner. He launched Campaign Now in 2008 to help free-market oriented, American organizations increase their reach and achieve important results. When he’s not strategizing growth plans with clients, you can find him sharpening his history chops, playing tennis in the Texas heat, or spending time with family.

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