The America of today is very different than the America of yesterday, and it goes without saying, that the America oftomorrow will be equally different. The demography of the United States is changing in some big ways, and the Pew Research Center has identified 10 demographic trends that may shape the future of the country and the world.
One of the most visible trends is the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of the country. It is projected that by 2055, the U.S. will not have a single racial or ethnic majority. Nearly 59 million immigrants have arrived in the U.S. in the past 50 years, the majority coming from Latin America and Asia. 14 percent of the country’s population is foreign born, as compared to 5 percent in 1965. And Asia has overtaken Latin America as the biggest source of new immigrants to the U.S.
And, in case you were unable to tell from the plethora of articles and stories written about Millennials and their behavioral, professional, and purchasing patterns, they have become the new generation to watch and have become the largest generation, taking the title away from Baby Boomers.
Other trends include an increase in women in the labor force and leadership positions, a decrease in two-parent households, a shrinking middle class, an increase in the population that does not identify with an organized religion, and a changing religious makeup. Not only will all of these trends work to shape the United States, its culture, and its politics, but it will affect the world’s culture and politics, as well. If these trends continue, the United States is going to be a very diverse place in the future.
For a full breakdown of each of the ten trends and for accompanying graphs and infographics, click the link below.
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