Michael Gorey

Thanks to Sue I took an online typology test to discover I’m an Upbeat.

I’d rather be upbeat than downbeat or deadbeat, not that they are official types. The others are Enterprisers, Social Conservatives, Pro-Government Conservatives, Disaffecteds, Liberals, Conservative Democrats, Disadvantaged Democrats and Bystanders.

It’s an American test, but substitute Labor and Liberal for Democrat and Republican if you’re an Aussie.

The Upbeat group comprises 11 percent of the adult population.

Basic description
Upbeats express positive views about the economy, government and society. Satisfied with their own financial situation and the direction the nation is heading, these voters support George W. Bush’s leadership in economic matters more than on social or foreign policy issues. Combining highly favorable views of government with equally positive views of business and the marketplace, Upbeats believe that success is in people’s own hands, and that businesses make a positive contribution to society. This group also has a very favorable view of immigrants.

Defining values
Very favorable views of government performance and responsiveness defines the group, along with similarly positive outlook on the role of business in society. While most support the war in Iraq, Upbeats have mixed views on foreign policy – but most favor preemptive military action against countries that threaten the US. Religious, but decidedly moderate in views about social and cultural issues.

Who they are
Relatively young (26% are under 30) and well-educated, Upbeats are the second wealthiest group after Enterprisers (39% have household incomes of $75,000 or more). The highest proportion of Catholics (30%) and white mainline Protestants (28%) of all groups, although fewer than half (46%) attend church weekly. Mostly white (87%), suburban, and married, they are evenly split between men and women.

Lifestyle notes
High rate of stock ownership (42%, 2nd after Enterprisers).

2004 election
Bush 63%, Kerry 14%.

Party ID
56% Independent/No Preference, 39% Republican, 5% Democrat (73% Rep/LeanRep)

Media use
Upbeats are second only to Liberals in citing the internet as their main news source (34% compared with 23% nationwide); 46% also cite newspapers. No more or less engaged in politics than the national average.

Comment: Mostly true for me. I doubt I would have voted for George W Bush though.

What clouds the descriptions of the other groups is the influence of religion. Religion is not a significant factor in shaping Australian politics and people’s outlooks, even for those who go to church.

Take religion out of the equation and I’d probably be described as a social conservative. I consider myself a conservative on social issues, but I also have a strong sense of social justice.

I’m economically pragmatic and believe there is a role for government intervention, regulation and decentralisation to ensure balanced national development.

That said, individual enterprise should be facilitated and encouraged.

These articles might be of interest:

• Peter Gorey: 1935-2008
• Breakfast for blokes
• Clever John Howard