Socialism's Positive Rating Tops 40% for First Time
3 hours ago
- 43% of Americans now view socialism positively, the highest level in Gallup's trend since 2010.
- Positive views of big business have declined to 35%, while capitalism remains steady at 55%.
- Small business is the most popular economic concept at 95% positive, followed by free enterprise.
- Since 2010, positive views of big business, free enterprise, and capitalism have fallen, while socialism has risen by seven points.
- The recent increase in socialism's popularity is driven by independents, rising from 37% to 45%; Democrats' views are stable at 65% and Republicans remain below 15%.
- Among Democrats, socialism now ties free enterprise at 65%, and positive views of capitalism have dropped to 35%.
- Age differences are strong: adults aged 18-34 view socialism more positively than capitalism (57% vs. 43%), while those 55+ view capitalism more positively (65% vs. 34%).
- Women view socialism more positively than capitalism, while men favor capitalism.
- Lower-income Americans are more positive toward socialism than upper-income Americans, but their views of socialism and capitalism are tied.
- Despite shifts, Americans still broadly support free-market principles, and small business and free enterprise remain widely popular.