American Civic Life Study

Understanding how Americans think about politics, communities, and civic life.

Listening to how people make sense of public life

The American Civic Life Study is a study of how people understand politics, democracy, and the challenges facing their communities. We are interested in how Americans form their views, talk about disagreement, and think about appropriate responses to political and civic challenges.

We are conducting conversations with residents in communities in Georgia and Oregon. What we learn will help researchers better understand the role that local experiences, relationships, and community life play in shaping political views.

Who we are

We are university researchers who study politics, communities, and political conflict in the United States and around the world.

Kathleen Klaus

Uppsala University

Kathleen Klaus

Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor

Kathleen studies political violence, elections, and how people and communities navigate political conflict. Her research draws on interviews, surveys, and long-term fieldwork.

Megan Turnbull

University of Georgia

Megan Turnbull

Assistant Professor of International Affairs

Megan studies political order and violence, including elections, armed groups, political participation, and how communities respond to political challenges.

We’re happy to talk with you.

Contact either researcher if you would like more information about the study or participation.