Survey Shows Broad U.S. Support for Ethnic and Religious Diversity

At a time when fears about demographic change dominate political headlines, new research paints a very different picture: most Americans want a United States that is more ethnically and religiously diverse than it is today.

In fact, two-thirds of those surveyed said they preferred a more racially diverse society, and over half said the same about religion.

Survey Challenges ‘Great Replacement’ Narrative

The study, published in the journal Ethos, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 986 adults and asked them to estimate the current ethnic and religious makeup of the U.S. and then describe what they would consider ideal. The findings undercut a common narrative that Americans, particularly White Christians, fear being ‘replaced’ by minorities.

“We wanted to investigate whether the idea of a multicultural United States still has popular support – and it does, to a large extent,” said lead author Séamus Power, associate professor of psychology at the University of Copenhagen.

Power and colleagues from Yale University and the University of Chicago found that:

• Only 1.1% of participants preferred an ethnically homogeneous U.S.
• Just 3.2% preferred a single-religion society
• Even among White Christians, most desired a more diverse country than currently exists

“Our data shows that only 1.1% want an ethnically homogeneous United States, and only 3.2% want a religiously homogeneous society,” Power said. “Although we should not underestimate the significance of these extreme views when they are scaled up to the entire population of the United States.”

The Ideal America: Diverse and Inclusive

Participants tended to overestimate the size of minority groups and underestimate the number of White and Protestant Americans. But after being told the actual demographic breakdown, most still said they would prefer more diversity, not less.

On average, respondents envisioned a United States where White Americans made up around 40% of the population, compared to the current 61%. Other groups — including Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and Middle Eastern Americans — were all seen as ideally comprising a larger share.

This preference for diversity cut across political and religious lines. While participants tended to favor their own group slightly more, no group favored a monocultural society. The vast majority embraced the idea of a pluralistic America.

Multiculturalism as a National Ideal

The study authors argue that these findings offer a much-needed corrective to media narratives that amplify anxieties about immigration and racial change. “The multicultural ideal is not just something that exists in academic circles or among minorities,” said Power. “It is a fundamental part of how many Americans understand their country.”

Even among White Christian respondents — often portrayed in the media as anxious about demographic shifts — 66% had a higher-than-average preference for ethnic diversity, and half wanted a more religiously diverse country.

A Cultural Contrast With Europe

Interestingly, the study contrasts American views on diversity with European models of nationhood. While France, for example, historically emphasized assimilation and uniformity, the U.S. has long supported visible expressions of group identity. Headscarves may be banned in French public schools, but in the U.S., such differences are generally accepted — and even celebrated.

This preference for diversity also appears deeply ingrained in American political culture. As far back as 1787, James Madison argued that democracy was best protected by encouraging a multiplicity of ‘factions’ — groups with differing values and backgrounds. In contrast, the French Revolution demanded assimilation: individuals could be citizens, but not as part of a religious or ethnic community.

Extreme Views Exist, But Are Rare

The study does not downplay the dangers of ethnonationalism. A small minority still expressed desires for an all-White or mono-religious United States. And history has shown that such views, while fringe, can have outsized influence. From Charlottesville to the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, fears of demographic replacement have been used to justify violence.

But the numbers tell a broader, more hopeful story. “Despite concerns about immigration,” the authors write, “multiculturalism is indeed an ‘American concept’ threaded into the stars and stripes. It may be as American as apple pie.”

Looking Ahead

The authors suggest their findings could have important implications for policy debates and national identity. They also call for future research into how these ideals play out at local levels and whether other countries with rising diversity might follow a similar path.

As the U.S. continues to diversify, this study offers a powerful reminder: most Americans are not only comfortable with that trend, they welcome it.

Journal: Ethos
DOI: 10.1111/etho.70018
Published: July 9, 2025