As far as I have observed Jerry`s observations would not fit the situation in Ireland, where most people - from all parts of society - like their folk music (but I`ve met a few who don`t like their revolutionary songs). Jerry`s observations seem to be true for North America and most of western Europe, though.

Maybe the reason is not the difference in education, but the tendency of folk music (in the sense we are discussing now) to try to influence people. As Jerry pointed out, people still think folk-singers are mainly protest-singers. And many of the big names were (and still are?).

This is ok if you share the political viewpoint of the singer. If you don`t this can become quite annoying. Most people don´t like to be lectured/indoctrinated. The message can be: I am enlightened, and if you don`t agree with me, you are (intellectually or morally) inferior.
Not the best marketing move.

(This raises a question: Jerry, I know you are involved with gospel music - are there many atheists coming to gospel concerts?).

The message of Bluegrass/Country is: we are common people like you. don`t feel inferior*. Plus a lot of the repertoire is orginally folk.
Sounds like a better marketing strategy.

Good thread again, Jerry: keeps me thinking too.

Regards
Ernest

*Please note: I don`t think this is true. It is marketing.