More than 40% of Americans view socialism positively, its first Gallup reading above 39% since tracking began in 2010; it now ranks ahead of big business. Gallup said the latest rise came entirely from independents, whose rating climbed to 45% from 37% last year.
Age differences were pronounced: 57% of adults ages 18–34 viewed socialism positively, versus 43% for capitalism; among those 55 and older, 65% viewed capitalism positively and 34% socialism. Adults ages 35–54 rated the two about equally. Men tended to view capitalism more positively, while the pattern was reversed among women.
Gallup said the findings do not show a wholesale shift away from markets: small business remained nearly unchanged at 95% positive, and free enterprise was rated positively by 77%, compared with 55% for capitalism and 35% for big business. Since 2010, positive ratings fell 6 points for capitalism, 9 for free enterprise and 14 for big business. The survey questioned 1,200 adults Aug. 3–24, with a 4-percentage-point margin of error.
