As politics continue to divide Americans, maintaining relationships with those who share the same beliefs has been a topic of discussion. But when it comes to relationships, do shared beliefs matter more?
According to a poll conducted by the National Public Radio in May, younger Americans seem to feel more one-sided when faced with this question, showing that 60% of people who range from 18 to 29 say that it matters showing a growing disconnect between older generations who say that it doesn’t.
Students and staff at Cosumnes River College shared their opinions on whether political affiliation affects who they date.
Lanaya Mcmillion, a 19-year-old business major, said that the answer to this can simultaneously be yes and no.
“I think you can have better conversations with someone you’re in a relationship with when they do, it shows that you have the same morals as them,” Mcmillion said. “But also sometimes opposites attract, if you can still have disagreements and still be able to communicate with your partner it’s healthy.”
Erivan Rivera, a 19-year-old pre-occupational health major, said that it’s important to share the same political beliefs as your partner because otherwise it would lead to indifference.
“I think the person you’re dating should reflect you, which also means they share the same world views as you,” Rivera said. “It really can show how that person was raised and if that relationship is something you actually want.”
Mental health advocate Akaysia Hill said that having the same beliefs is important because of how deeply embedded into people’s values politics can be.
“I think it’s something that allows folks to show up as themselves and can find mutual support,” Hill said. “It’s important to just have someone with like-minded interests alongside values and morals.”
Hill said that today’s social climate has made conversations feel more polarized.
“We’ve come to such a point in society where it’s like there’s no more gray areas, either it’s this or you’re that,” Hill said. “But to me where it gets iffy is when human rights becomes a debate.”
Communication studies professor Georgine Hodgkinson said that the disconnect between generations stems from a change in diversity and maturity levels.
“As we age, sometimes our exposure to diversity changes,” Hodgkinson said. “When you retire and your world simplifies, you just lose access to the diversity of thought and ideas you had when you were younger.”
Hodgkinson said that with the heightened controversy behind differing political beliefs, navigating through relationships have become harder.
“Things are hyper-partisan and we’re now operating in a much different political silo than before,” Hodgkinson said. “In order for a couple to maintain a healthy relationship, they need strong communication, empathy and a willingness to understand why they think their partner feels the way they do.”