 Each trait can, by itself, characterize a "basic type" within the population, or traits can exist in combination to form other "blended/combined" types, such as those seen in The 8 American Types.
So, how can we bridge the best of traditional values and focus on inner growth with our higher aspirations? How to engage the disengaged? The discovery of The 8 American Types showed a coherent set of overlapping patterns that offer practical ways to bridge our whole society. These questions and more are addressed in totally new and unique ways in The New America Papers summary and full-length book.
The three "core traits" described above are by themselves too general. An important contribution of the IOOW-2000 research is the creation of a new typology based on attitudes, values, and behaviors that offer a context in which individuals and society can better understand themselves. This typologic system identifies eight tendencies people have within the U.S. population (for those over 18 years of age). It was developed using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches and multiple indicators, and was tested for replicability. As the research team sought a more detailed model of the U.S. population, eight types were discovered, the first three of which closely parallel the three core traits described above. Together, these three account for 38.2% of the U.S. adult population.
- One of three basic types, Embracing Traditional Values (ETV), represents 12.1% of households, which embrace a strong sense of traditional values and ethics and identify with a so-called "American heartland" worldview. Applying themselves to established norms has provided a good life for these individuals.
- Another basic type, Disengaged from Social Concerns (DSC), represents 14.2% of households, which tend not be connected with social concerns and have not experienced the promise of material and personal well-being.
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The Three Basic Types of
The 8 American Types
ETV: Embracing Traditional Values
DSC: Disengaged from Social Concerns
CSE: Connecting through Self-Exploration
In analyzing the IOOW-2000 research data, many conceptual possibilities were tested, yielding eight different types of Americans within the U.S. population over 18 years of age.
Of the 8 types, three closely parallel the three core traits previously introduced on the previous page. (It is important to keep in mind that our use of the word "core" does not in any way denote importance or ranking over combination types.)
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