Do Educated Postgraduate Professionals Support Bernie Sanders?

Bernie Sanders was widely popular among faculty at my community college, and there is a growing belief that he could have contested and possibly defeated Donald Trump in the 2016 election. This phenomenon is not confined to educational institutions; patterns also emerge among tech professionals and law students, indicative of a broader trend in the support of postgraduate educated individuals for Bernie Sanders.

Tech Individuals and Their Lean Toward Sanders

From an anecdotal perspective as a software engineer, it is evident that individuals in the tech industry often lean towards Bernie Sanders. Our profession is fundamentally based on systems and operations, and we appreciate efficiency and logic in governance. The socio-political conditions that Sanders advocates for, such as transparency and fair economy policies, resonate deeply with our community's values. Tech professionals, like scientists and engineers, often view the world through a lens of problem-solving and rationality, making them more inclined towards a candidate who champions these principles.

Moreover, tech people are usually critical of inefficiency, which often leads to pondering why systemic issues exist. Inefficiencies that result in financial gain for a few at the cost of the many are a significant concern. This perspective is sometimes incorrectly labeled as 'idealism,' but it represents a willingness to change systems for the collective good rather than for the sake of personal or corporate profit.

NYU Law Students and Their Political Leanings

At New York University (NYU) School of Law, where the median LSAT score for admitted students is in the 99th percentile, there is a substantial support for Sanders. This alignment is significant given the high level of academic achievement among the student body. Multiple factors contribute to this support.

Firstly, law students often lack economic training, which means they may be less inclined to accept economic policies without critical analysis. The complex and often abstract nature of economic theory can be challenging for those who may have not encountered it in their academic regimen. As a result, they may be more open to candidates who advocate for economic justice and fair policies, as proposed by Bernie Sanders.

Secondly, law students are trained to think critically about legal systems and advocacy. This skillset encourages them to question the status quo and analyze political systems for inefficiencies and injustices. Sanders' emphasis on reforms in healthcare, education, and financial systems aligns closely with the analytical and reform-minded mindset of law students.

Implications and Further Considerations

The support of educated postgraduate professionals for Bernie Sanders suggests a broader trend in the political landscape. Educated individuals, whether they are software engineers, lawyers, or otherwise, bring critical minds and a scientific approach to politics. They are more likely to demand transparency, fairness, and accountability from their leaders, and they are less swayed by superficial or purely ideological considerations.

It is important to acknowledge that while these patterns exist, each individual's support for Sanders (or any candidate) is multifaceted and nuanced. Educational background is a factor, but it is not the only determinant. Personal experiences, values, and other socio-political factors also play significant roles in shaping one's political inclinations. However, the trend among tech professionals and law students is noteworthy and can provide insights into the broader appeal of Bernie Sanders' candidacy.

Future research could explore these patterns in more detail, looking at how educational backgrounds influence political behavior and beliefs. Additionally, there is value in understanding the specific factors that drive these educated individuals to support Bernie Sanders, which could help inform strategies to engage similar demographics in political processes.