Conservative self-identification centers on economics far more than liberal does

Evidence

Turning to the conservatives, we find that they made relatively more references to four categories of meaning: “fiscal policies” “socialism/capitalism,” “New Deal issues,” and “foreign policy.” In particular, the conservative viewpoint was heavily influenced by a strong focus on economic matters; proportionately three times as many conservatives as liberals made reference to “fiscal policies,” and twice as many conservatives mentioned “New Deal issues” such as minimum wages and social security. … In summary, our examination of liberals’ and conservatives’ self-definition of the two major ideological labels strongly supports the conclusion of our earlier analysis. For the most part, liberals and conservatives do have distinct political perspectives which are not simply mirror images of one another. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2078

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Real conservatism requires successful identification with liberal capitalism — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 1800