America is taking a ‘puritanical turn’ and growing more socially conservative

WorldPolitics
10 Jun 2026 • 1:40 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

America is taking a ‘puritanical turn’ and growing more socially conservative

  • A new Gallup poll indicates a growing social conservatism in the U.S., with fewer Americans finding certain behaviors morally acceptable.
  • The survey revealed record-low acceptance for birth control (83%), gambling (57%), and cloning animals (27%).
  • Significant declines in moral acceptability were also observed for having a baby outside marriage (down to 58%) and sex between teenagers (down to 35%).
  • This shift is seen by some as a “puritanical turn,” potentially linked to increased religiosity among young men and efforts by Trump administration officials to promote Christianity and restrict contraception.
  • Changes in opinion are largely driven by independent voters, suggesting a potential “pendulum swinging away” from traditional liberal principles.

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