In every election cycle, there are certain stories that capture the public's attention and imagination, often revealing unexpected insights about voter behavior and the shifting dynamics of political influence. As the 2024 election heats up, a side story has emerged that goes back to a 2021 interview with JD Vance, who was then a Senate candidate and is now the Republican vice presidential nominee. In the interview, which recently resurfaced, Vance criticized America's leadership, claiming it was driven by "a bunch of childless cat ladies."
While the comment originally flew under the radar, it has since gained new attention and sparked discussions across the political spectrum. But who exactly are these so-called "childless cat ladies," and what do they truly represent? To shed light on this, Ipsos delved into the data, uncovering insights that might surprise you.
Who Are the Childless Cat Ladies?
The phrase "childless cat ladies" might conjure up images of solitary women in urban apartments, but the reality is much more diverse. For this study, "childless" simply refers to women without children currently living at home, whether their kids have grown up and moved out or because they chose to have pets instead of children. And while the term focuses on cats, don’t be surprised to find that some of these women are also doting dog owners! Team cats or team dogs? Cats prevail in this case.
Financially, these women reflect the broader American experience and experience the same reality when it comes to pet ownership. Whether they’re earning less than $50,000 or bringing in over $100,000, childless cat ladies are spread across the income spectrum. This economic diversity is matched by their educational backgrounds, with most having at least some college education. And when it comes to their place of residence, like most people, the majority of childless cat ladies live in suburban neighborhoods.
Political Leanings: More Alike Than Different
Pop culture may paint childless cat ladies as an undiverse group, but the Ipsos iSay team reveals that the data tells a different story. Politically, these women closely resemble the rest of the general voting population. About one in three (31%) identify as Republicans, only slightly below the national average of 36%. Meanwhile, about two in five (40%) identify as Democrats, which is just 4 points higher than the general population.
Additionally, much like many other Americans, there’s also a significant portion of childless cat ladies who don’t align with either major party. This diversity in political affiliation shows that the childless cat ladies are far from a predictable group of voters.
Everyday Life and Behaviors
Beyond their politics, there’s more to know about the everyday lives of childless cat ladies. For one, they’re sticking to their routines when it comes to meal choices, favoring ready-to-eat meals. This mirrors a national trend of busy Americans leaning on convenient food options.
Religion doesn’t play as central a role in their lives compared to the broader population, which might explain their slightly higher tendency to lean Democratic. And when it comes to sports, these women are less likely to be fans.
Political Implications
Given their balanced political leanings, childless cat ladies are a demographic that could be key in upcoming elections. They aren’t firmly planted in either party, making them open to hearing different perspectives. This makes them a group worth paying attention to for either of the major campaigns looking to sway voters.
What We Learned About Cat Ladies
The stereotype of the "childless cat lady" as unhappy or politically extreme just isn't true. In reality, the cat moms of America are as varied, suburban, and politically diverse as the rest of the country. Rather than being outliers, childless cat ladies are a reflection of the broader trends and attitudes that shape our nation.
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The Ipsos research shared in this article has been sourced from: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/why-americas-childless-cat-ladies-are-more-just-taylor-swift
