The acceptance of evolution: A developmental view of Generation X in the United States

  1. Miller, Jon D. 4
  2. Laspra, Belén
  3. Polino, Carmelo 1
  4. Branch, Glenn 2
  5. Pennock, Robert T. 3
  6. Ackerman, Mark S. 4
  1. 1 University of Oviedo, Spain
  2. 2 National Center for Science Education, USA
  3. 3 Michigan State University, USA
  4. 4 University of Michigan, USA
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Journal:
Public Understanding of Science

ISSN: 0963-6625,  1361-6609

Year of publication: 2024

Type: Article

DOI: 10.1177/09636625241234815 GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Public Understanding of Science

Sustainable development goals

Abstract

The public acceptance of evolution remains a contentious issue in the United States. Numerous investigations have used national cross-sectional studies to examine the factors associated with the acceptance or rejection of evolution. This analysis uses a 33-year longitudinal study that followed the same 5000 public-school students from grade 7 through midlife (ages 45–48) and is the first to do so in regard to evolution. A set of structural equation models demonstrate the complexity and changing nature of influences over these three decades. Parents and local influences are strong during the high school years. The combination of post-secondary education and occupational and family choices demonstrate that the 15 years after high school are the switchyards of life.

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