Few organizations command as much attention in American public opinion research as the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan think tank headquartered in the nation’s capital. Known for its polling on issues ranging from politics to the economy, the center has built a reputation for data-driven analysis without taking policy positions.
Its work on minimum wage increases, for instance, examines how different demographic groups view the issue, providing a snapshot of public sentiment without advocating for any particular outcome.
A Think Tank Rooted in Nonpartisan Research
The center’s origins trace to 1990, when the Times Mirror Company founded it as the Times Mirror Center for the People & the Press. Six years later, the Pew Charitable Trusts became its primary sponsor, prompting a name change to the Pew Research Center. In 2004, the organization separated fully from the trust and established itself as a standalone entity in Washington, D.C., where it operates today as a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and a subsidiary of the Pew Charitable Trusts.
The center’s research agenda covers U.S. politics and policy positions, the economy and work, and other topics. It conducts public opinion polling on social issues, including minimum wage increases, breaking down responses across age, income, education, and other demographic lines.
The center emphasizes that it does not take policy stances; instead, it aims to provide objective data for public discourse. As a charter member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research’s Transparency Initiative, it adheres to standards of methodological openness.
Leadership and Operational Independence
Over its history, the Pew Research Center has been led by a series of presidents who shaped its direction. Andrew Kohut served from 1993 to 2013, overseeing its transformation into a major polling institution.
Alan Murray succeeded him, leading from 2013 to 2014. Since October 2014, Michael Dimock has served as president, guiding the organization through an era of evolving media landscapes and increased demand for polling data. Though the center is a subsidiary of the Pew Charitable Trusts, it maintains operational independence in its research decisions.
Its location in Washington, D.C., places it at the center of national policy debates, allowing it to track shifts in public opinion as they unfold. The center’s polling on minimum wage, while not tied to specific policy proposals, offers insight into how Americans view economic fairness and labor issues across different communities.
Beyond the Name: The Historical Pew
The word “pew” itself has deep historical roots, though unrelated to the modern think tank. It originally referred to a long bench or enclosed seating area used in places of worship such as churches, synagogues, and chapels. Its origins lie in medieval England, where backless stone benches first appeared in churches in the 13th century. Over time, these evolved into wooden seats, becoming more common by the 15th century.
The widespread use of pews in churches grew during the Protestant Reformation, as the sermon became a central part of worship. Some pews were privately owned by congregants, with deeds recording ownership and funding church construction.
Their placement and design could reflect social status, with more desirable locations offering better visibility. Beyond religious settings, pews have also been used in courtrooms and performance venues, such as Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, which was once a church. In some traditions, kneelers are attached to pews for use during liturgy.
For the Pew Research Center, the name carries no such ecclesiastical connotation; it simply reflects its founding sponsor, the Pew Charitable Trusts. Yet the organization’s work in polling and public opinion continues to inform debates on issues that affect the daily lives of Americans, including the ongoing discussion about raising the minimum wage.
By providing nonpartisan data, the center helps policymakers and the public understand where consensus—and division—lie across the electorate.
