Citation

Jeffries V. J. Soc. Iss. 1974; 30(3): 119-136.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1974, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1540-4560.1974.tb00730.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The paper examines differential attitudes toward the use in war of nuclear weapons among age strata, analyzed from the perspective of political generations. Data for the study came from a probability sample of 477 adults living in a metropolitan area. On the basis of historical events and the differing climates of public opinion pertaining to war, three political generations are discriminated: Dissent (those born 1943-1949), Cold War (those born 1927-1942), and World War II (those born before 1927). Results suggest the viability of political generations thus defined. The generation of Dissent is most likely to reject nuclear war, while those of the generation of World War II are most likely to accept nuclear warfare. The basic relationship between age and attitudes toward nuclear war is examined within the context of occupation, sex, fear of communism, and patriotism.

Language: en