Public discourse about 21st century problems, such as COVID-19, climate change and drought, is divisive.
A record 77% of Americans believe that our nation is divided on the most important values.
The Laboratory for the American Conversation's methodology uses social theory, discourse analysis and large-scale surveys to uncover what values communities express when they enter into public discourse, and what threats they are trying to avoid.
*Gallup survey, 2016
Our researchers promote intellectually and inter-culturally rich environments that fosters dialogue among diverse groups on critical issues confronting the American public.
This work advances the public good and confronts complex problems.
We need to find new ways forward even when finding common ground remains elusive