A survey conducted by the American Enterprise Institute among 5,306 adults from February 12-18, 2026, indicates that while Americans' views on religion, family, and national identity have evolved over the past three decades, they continue to uphold key principles. The survey compared current attitudes with those from 1998, revealing strong support for ideals such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and equal opportunity.
The findings showed that 63% of respondents believe it is very important for high school students to learn about the impact of slavery and racial discrimination on U.S. history, although perspectives on historical education differ by generation. Generation Z respondents were less inclined than baby boomers to consider the study of Christianity in America as very important.
Additionally, 66% of participants stated that the role of Christianity in America's founding should be taught in schools, while only 17% deemed the teaching of LGBT identities and experiences as very important. The survey also highlighted a shift in parental attitudes towards teaching American history; in 1998, 67% of parents believed it was essential to teach that America is fundamentally good, a figure that has decreased to 42% in 2026. Furthermore, the percentage of parents upset by constant criticism of America's political and economic systems has dropped from 50% to 32% over the same period.
The report concludes that Americans are grappling with differing narratives regarding the country's history and identity, reflecting ongoing debates about how the United States should approach its founding principles. According to AEI, 79% of Americans feel that freedoms are often taken for granted and express a desire for more emphasis on the teachings of the Founding Fathers.