In today’s economic landscape, a striking trend has emerged: conservatives, especially small business owners, seem to be reaping economic rewards, while liberals find themselves struggling to keep up. This isn’t just a political talking point but a genuine shift in the dynamics of American employment and business culture, with far-reaching social and economic implications for generations to come.
Why Are Most Small Businesses Owned By Conservatives?
There’s something undeniably magnetic about the world of small business to conservatives. Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush that comes from knowing success or failure rests squarely on their shoulders, or perhaps it’s the freedom to chart their own path—one free from bureaucratic red tape and top-down oversight. For conservatives, owning a small business is more than just a job; it’s a chance to prove that grit, skill, and the good old-fashioned hustle can earn them more than any 9-to-5 ever could. Small business rewards independent minds who see themselves as creators of their own fate, drawn to work where they can innovate, grow, and see results directly tied to their dedication and talent.
In stark contrast, liberals are often found leaning toward career paths that offer secure footing in government or union jobs—positions where systems like tenure and seniority based promotions are king. Tenure, particularly in education, gives teachers and professors nearly bulletproof job security, creating what can feel like a safe, predictable fortress against the economic winds that small business owners have no choice but to weather. For many liberals, job security isn’t just a perk; it’s a lifestyle choice that provides a buffer against the chaos and risks that come with entrepreneurship.
The conservative spirit thrives on the notion of “high risk, high reward.” Building a small business means leaning into a journey that can lead to incredible financial gain or devastating losses, and for many conservatives, that challenge is energizing. They see personal value in taking responsibility for their own outcomes, whether it’s paying themselves when times are good or tightening their belts when times are rough. This is why small business has become the bastion of conservatism—an arena that welcomes individual drive and competition, where talent and hard work can directly influence one’s earning potential.
For liberals, on the other hand, stability often outweighs the allure of unrestricted success. Government jobs, unionized positions, and tenured roles offer a predictability and structure they’re drawn to. There’s no denying the appeal of a guaranteed paycheck, clear-cut benefits, and a retirement plan insulated from economic shifts. In union jobs, for example, workers pool their influence and secure strong protections, preferring the security that comes from collective bargaining. It’s a different approach to life and work—less about the risks of blazing new trails doing work that inspires you and and more about ensuring a stable foundation for the future.
So, conservatives embrace small business ownership not just because they want to make money, but because they crave an environment that rewards initiative, effort, and the refusal to rely on anyone but themselves. Meanwhile, liberals, many of whom seek structured, low-risk work environments, gravitate toward government and union jobs that prioritize stability. This divide isn’t just about money—it’s a reflection of two very different ways of seeing and engaging with the world.
The Influence of Small Business on Employment
Small businesses make up the backbone of the American workforce. Currently, small businesses employ about 78% of the U.S. workforce, meaning that more than three out of every four working Americans rely on small business owners for their paychecks. Not only do these enterprises provide job opportunities, but they also drive community development, innovation, and upward mobility. In recent years, a growing number of these small business owners identify as conservative, even explicitly Republican. This alignment has impacts beyond just political affiliations; it increasingly influences hiring practices, workplace culture, and economic opportunities available to potential employees across the ideological spectrum.
A Divisive Hiring Shift
With political identities more visible than ever, many small business owners—often self-made, fiscally conservative, and community-focused—find themselves reluctant to hire individuals with opposing political views. A growing trend has emerged where business owners may avoid hiring liberal-leaning individuals for higher or more influential roles within their companies. Some opt to limit liberal hires to lower-tier positions or, in some cases, pass them over altogether in favor of conservative candidates.
The reason behind this approach may seem counterintuitive at first glance. After all, skills and work ethic should ideally be more important than political views. Yet, for business owners who put in the long hours and take on all the risks associated with entrepreneurship, hiring someone openly critical of their personal beliefs can be a complicated decision. Many conservative business owners view themselves not just as employers but as stakeholders in their employees’ personal and professional growth. When they encounter worker candidates who openly express disdain for conservatism or voice combative political views, it’s understandable why some may feel hesitant to bring these individuals on board.
The Case Against Hiring “the Opposition”
For many Republican-leaning small business owners, the decision goes beyond politics; it’s about culture, loyalty, and harmony in the workplace. It’s not uncommon for people on both sides of the political divide to harbor negative opinions of the other side, but the current political climate has intensified these feelings. If a candidate’s beliefs include disdain for conservative values, small business owners may see them as a potential source of disruption rather than a productive member of their team.
Furthermore, many conservative business owners see Democrats as fundamentally opposing the entrepreneurial mindset. They rightfully argue that liberal policies can stifle economic growth by over-regulating businesses or imposing restrictive labor laws that they feel hinder profitability. It’s not merely a “Democrat vs. Republican” debate; it’s an ideological divide over how to achieve prosperity and sustain the American Dream. Small business owners who lean conservative view economic growth as a byproduct of personal responsibility, minimal government interference, and individual empowerment—all values they might perceive as wholly incompatible with progressive ideas.
The Economics of Ideological Divides
The financial implications of these hiring biases are profound. If conservative businesses, which employ the majority of American workers, increasingly prefer to hire conservative-leaning candidates, liberals may find fewer pathways to career advancement, particularly within smaller companies. Additionally, there’s an argument to be made that conservative hiring practices may have the unintended effect of strengthening conservative communities economically while leaving more liberal communities and individuals financially vulnerable.
As conservatives grow wealthier and more powerful through their majority share of small business employment, the resulting economic disparity could reinforce the very stereotypes that fuel this divide. Liberals facing a scarcity of well-paying jobs and career growth opportunities in the private sector may turn more heavily toward public sector work, advocacy, or alternative careers. This separation could further cement the perception that Republicans are the job creators, while Democrats become increasingly dependent on policies that bolster the public sector and welfare programs.
Navigating Political Ideology in the Workplace
The polarization we see today reflects a broader shift in American society where political identity often supersedes individual qualifications. However, this hiring practice is a double-edged sword. Conservative employers who choose not to hire liberals may inadvertently miss out on valuable talent and perspectives that could benefit their companies. At the same time, the exclusionary trend is increasingly practical for some; they believe that preserving harmony and shared values within the workplace can lead to more cohesive, loyal teams.
On the other hand, for liberals hoping to secure positions within conservative-led companies, it may require a shift in attitude or, at the very least, a more diplomatic approach to personal beliefs. This doesn’t mean they need to abandon their political ideology but that they might need to focus on shared goals and demonstrate adaptability in a work environment where views differ.
Bridging the Divide or Widening It?
Ultimately, this issue touches on deeper questions about whether American society can learn to transcend its ideological divisions. If small business owners and prospective employees could foster a workplace that values diversity of thought without forcing ideological conformity, it would mark a significant step toward economic inclusivity. But with the prevailing winds of division, the chances of that happening soon seem slim.
The trend of conservatives getting richer and liberals getting poorer, especially in the realm of small business, speaks to a larger societal challenge. While the ideological leanings of small business owners may appear inconsequential to some, they’re in fact helping to drive an economic and cultural wedge across the country. Whether this polarization deepens or shifts remains to be seen. For now, small business owners are in a uniquely powerful position, and their hiring practices will undoubtedly continue to shape the economic and political landscape of America for years to come.
Tara Dodrill is a self-reliance author, educator, and patriot homesteader in Appalachia. She studied journalism at Ohio University and previously served several terms as a town council member in her hometown. Dodrill worked as the editor of her county's newspaper before shifting her focus to writing books and hosting the largest hands-on homesteading, survival, and bushcraft annual event in the United States.
