Being university educated appears to prevent people from developing extreme right-wing views. 

A recent study sheds light on the relationship between university education and right-wing populist opinions among white men. 

The Australian study, consisting of interviews with 10 university-educated and eight non-university-educated white men, reveals intriguing insights into how higher education influences political perspectives.

The research indicates that university-educated men are less inclined to hold right-wing populist beliefs compared to their non-university-educated counterparts. 

Moreover, when university-educated men do express such opinions, their views tend to be less extreme. 

This observation highlights a notable contrast in political outlook based on educational background.

One significant finding from the study is that university-educated men who had regular interactions with individuals from diverse racial backgrounds held more positive attitudes toward diversity. 

Conversely, this trend was less evident among non-university-educated men, suggesting that higher education may foster a greater appreciation for diversity.

Furthermore, the researchers noted that university-educated participants often felt that their educational institutions actively promoted a pluralistic outlook. 

This perspective, emphasising the value of diverse people and opinions within society, appears to be at odds with the tenets of right-wing populism, according to the researchers.

The study suggests that higher education may act as a mitigating factor, reducing the prevalence and extremity of right-wing populist opinions, while also fostering a more positive stance on diversity and pluralism.

More details are accessible here.